How a Rapid Response Helps New London Fire Damage Recovery

4/7/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke, Soot, and Fire Damage in New London homes get the SERVPRO treatment--"Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Acts Fast for Fire Damage Mitigation

 Fires are widely destructive and compromising, so it is vital to have a team of technicians willing to respond fast to help. Our centrally located facility allows us to reach all of New London County rapidly after the first notice of loss.

New London fire damage can impact a range of structures, from the homes of nearly 30,000 residents to commercial facilities like Mitchell College. We work fast to help, having various trained professionals in niches like:

• Fire Restoration (FSRT)
• Odor Control (OCT)
• Water Restoration (WRT)
• Carpet Cleaning (CCT)
• General Contracting

When Can SERVPRO Enter the Property?

In many cases, our experienced team is notified of active fire disasters as they happen and can prepare to enter the structure as soon as possible. We must wait for the work of first responders to complete and their go-ahead to enter the building. As a preferred vendor for insurance work and the urgency of fire loss scenarios, we are often prepared to enter before getting cleared.

Early Fire Damage Mitigation

Mitigation is the combination of actions taken by our SERVPRO FSRT-Certified technicians to limit damage to the house and its contents after a fire or other disaster. Emergency services combine the talents of our experienced restorers and licensed contractors to meet the initial demands of the property. Some of the most common mitigative actions taken by our professionals include:

• Temporary Board-Up - This process sees our experienced contractors sealing over structural vulnerabilities to the outside to prevent secondary damage when water or animals enter a house.
• Debris Removal - Combustion creates ash, smoke solids, charred materials, and bulk collapsed structure in a residence. Debris removal is vital to increasing restoration completion time and limiting soot and odor concentrations.
• Controlled Demolition - When the structure poses an immediate risk to the safety of responding technicians or house occupants, our licensed contractors can perform needed controlled demolition services.
• Water Removal - With the high volume of water used to extinguish the blaze, many rooms of the house could likely be overwhelmed with water damage and the effects of the fire.

Setting Up Staging and Containment

After fire damage, loss effects can spread quickly in the house. Containment barriers and filtration equipment can help establish a set perimeter of a work zone. Similarly, we can create a staging area for equipment and content management to limit cross-contamination with undamaged areas of the house.

How Has Soot Damaged the Structure?

Soot is one of the more common byproducts of structure fires generated when fuels only partially combust. This incomplete burning is widespread, so soot generation can be heavy depending on environmental conditions and other factors. The type of smoke damage ultimately influences the needed cleaning approach to help resolve the issue. Some kinds of smoke damage include:

• Wet Smoke
• Dry Smoke
• Proteins
• Furnace Puffback

Rebuilding After Fire Damage

Few fire loss events do not require some form of build-back or reconstruction. With the expected repairs necessary after restoration, having a team licensed to complete this work can be beneficial. While many are still waiting to schedule openings for vetted subcontractors, SERVPRO continues to complete the steps that make it "Like it never even happened."

Between the coordination with insurance providers and the multiple layers of needed restoration and recovery following New London fire damage, it is necessary to lean on the experience of professionals. When you contact our SERVPRO of New London team, you get the full measure of the training our FSRT-Certified technicians receive to be knowledgeable assets in the field during emergencies. Call now at (860) 443-2222.

Lasting Recovery After New London Mold Damage Discoveries

4/7/2023 (Permalink)

Mold remediation in New London by SERVPRO ensures a high level of removal, restoration, and build-back. "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Manages Mold Damage Remediation and Its Causes

As a seaport city, humidity and high moisture content are common concerns for every home and business. New London County is home to thousands, and when mold and microbial threats impact structures, fast action is needed to help. The process starts with recognizing the triggers of mold development in your house, which can include:

• Unmanaged water damage
• Moisture penetration
• High humidity
• Leaks
• Poor ventilation

With so many causes of New London mold damage, including the proximity of many homes and businesses to the Thames, we are ready to respond to these situations as they happen. It is essential to act on suspected mold development in a residence as unchallenged organisms continue to spread and the problem can worsen.

How Does Mold Damage Threaten Homes?

Microbial growth and development pose a significant threat to the household. A few focuses should encourage homeowners to act quickly when they recognize mold development in their properties.

• Structural damage - Even with limited exposure, colonies use organic matter as a food source. Moving organisms destroy building materials.
• Challenging living conditions - Another concern is the living conditions for residents. While structural deterioration is troublesome, harsh malodors can make comfortable living impossible.
• Continually spreading colonies - It is important to note that mold continues to spread and impact new materials when it forms.
• Moisture damage - The conditions that facilitated mold growth can continue to degrade and deteriorate nearby materials until repaired.

Is Mold Damage Easy to Identify?

When you suspect mold might be growing in your home, many do not immediately choose to pursue professional remediation. Instead, they seek confirmation of the existence of mold before securing professionals to remove colonies. There are a few signs that microbial growth could exist and be actively spreading in your residence, including:

• Spotting
• Odors
• Damp Surfaces
• Structure Damage

The Remediation Solutions for Mold

Remediation and mold removal are never a one-size-fits-all approach. Countless variables require detailed inspections that determine the ideal technique. Using SERVPRO's experienced AMRT-applied microbial remediation technicians ensures quality service. While surface cleaning is one of the more favorable solutions and the least invasive, this is not effective if the mold has penetrated beyond the outermost layer of the hosting material. We provide a combination of cleanup and recovery to help remove active mold colonies in homes and businesses. Typically, an antifungal application after the cleanup helps ensure a minimal chance of reoccurrence.

Overcoming the Musty Malodors

While musty smells can indicate active mold colonization in a household, this odor persists after remediation steps in many cases. It is only after the application of powerful products and deployment of effective deodorization equipment that this formidable restoration obstacle is fully managed. Foggers and hydroxyl machines often combine for the greatest impact on post-mold recovery.

Mold Damage Repairs to Help

Repairs are a common need after mold organisms spread in a structure. Hosting material can become irreparably harmed, especially high porosity elements like drywall. We can provide the needed build-back services and structural repairs appropriate to return a residence to its original condition with a general contractor license. Our experience in this regard can make us suitable choices for restoring and repairing even historic properties in New London like the Joshua Hempsted House.

Overcoming and eliminating New London mold damage concerns involves several steps and actions by our experienced team. Our SERVPRO of New London team is here to help, from clearing surface mold threats to neutralizing lingering malodors. Call us when you need us at (860) 443-2222.

Remediation May Be Necessary in Your New London Home

4/6/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO says to protect your New London home against mold growth by using good ventilation and air movement.

Contact SERVPRO for Efficient Mold Remediation

There is a reason mold remediation services are available across the United States. The main reason is that hiring professionals to address and clean up microbial growth is the best way to get trusted results. DIY projects cause more damage and the potential for health concerns, which is why SERVPRO is available for 24/7 response to help New London property owners get the peace of mind they need.

How much do you know about mold remediation for your New London home? Mold replicates by producing microscopic spore cells that can dislodge and quickly spread through the air. This microbial growth poses a possible health threat, but you must also worry about it settling and colonizing other surfaces. Hiring skilled technicians is the perfect way to get the clean, refreshed interior you need to make it “Like it never even happened."

How can I tell when I need mold cleanup services?

Early detection of microbial growth is imperative if you wish to recover from the issue. It can be challenging to determine if you have a problem, but there are some telltale signs to look for, including:

• Moldy Smells: While it might not be detectable in all cases, some species will put off a musty, mildew-like smell. Always be aware of strange smells, especially when the weather has been humid if you have been away from home for a while with windows closed.
• Dark-Colored Spots: Seeing visible signs is extremely important, especially when you move into a new home. If you see dark spots in bathrooms or basements, contact professionals for remediation as soon as possible.
• Water Damage: Moisture control is imperative, especially if you have been through a water damage incident in the recent past. Failing to remove all standing water and letting moisture seep into building materials can spell trouble.

Call SERVPRO of New London at (860) 443-2222, and we can send a crew for assessment and restoration as soon as possible. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster and ready to begin efficient mold cleanup at your property.

New London Businesses Depend on Water Damage Repair From SERVPRO

3/21/2023 (Permalink)

Don't let water damage go unchecked in your property. Call SERVPRO for help to avoid further damage.

Water Damage Repairs Neatly Maintain Your Shop

Most shoppers in New London would spend less time in a store with a dank, damp-smelling environment, preferring to go elsewhere to make their purchases in a cleaner environment. Any structural elements needing water damage repair typically give off distinctive odors. The decay caused by dry rot and disintegration creates particulate matter that easily enters the air, creating unpleasant odors.

When this happens within your shop in New London, our water damage repair team can resolve the issue for you. Each member brings specialized skills to every project we work on, ensuring your property receives the expertise required to make everything "Like it never even happened."

The work we do restores safe conditions, also, as we:

• Eliminate mildew materials
• Cleanup dust and debris from crumbling materials
• Repair the area using new materials

To keep water from creating fresh damage to newly installed or repaired materials, we perform checks to locate the source of the water and take appropriate actions to protect your shop's interior.

Because mildew and mold can easily spread from the affected location to other places, we often use custom-built chambers to keep contaminated areas sealed off. Large pieces of dirty materials are broken down into smaller pieces so we can fit them into large plastic bags. We protect other areas of the building's interior from dusty mold particles and spores.

Other dusty, powdery materials, such as drywall and insulation, are also placed in separate bags to prevent the spread of harmful dust and debris. The smaller debris is then properly disposed of, ensuring the building remains clean.

Once everything is clean and the humidity in the area is normal, we can make the needed repairs. We work within all local building codes and requirements, ensuring compliance and long-lasting quality combine to create a beautiful and safe interior space.

When you need repairs and restoration services, call SERVPRO of New London at (860) 443-2222. We are always available, day or night, year-round.

New London Storms Often Necessitate Water Damage Repair Work

2/3/2023 (Permalink)

For any type of water damage in your property you can count on SERVPRO to help.

SERVPRO Does Water Damage Repair in New London 

Whenever storm waters flood New London homes, they are fouled by harmful, odor-causing microbes. These troublesome bacteria and fungi usually cause persistent, unpleasant smells throughout your residence, mold, mildew growths, and even structural deterioration. Together, such threats could ultimately reduce your home’s overall livability.

Fortunately, SERVPRO knows all about flood-borne microorganisms and is equipped to eradicate them and mask any flood-related odors during water damage repair on your New London home. As a top biohazard cleaning company, our firm performs everything from basic water removal services and water damage repairs to major basement flooding recovery, sewage cleanup, and restoration projects. Some of the resources our skilled technicians use in these efforts are:

• Powered or manual sprayers that directly apply powerful disinfectants to floodwater-impacted, colorfast surfaces
• Ultra-low volume foggers that deodorize even the most difficult-to-access areas by dispensing water and solvent-based deodorants in tiny particles
• High-velocity box fans to fully ventilate interiors before and after deodorization
• State-of-the-art air scrubbers cleanse the air by filtering out foul smells, chemicals, and airborne particles.

A few of the chemical agents we employ to eliminate microbes and undesirable odors include:

• SERVPROxide is an agent that kills bacteria on all types of surfaces, eliminates fungal growth, and prevents mold and mildew from growing up to four weeks.
• Sporicidin (#154) is an all-purpose antimicrobial and odor-neutralizer that has low toxicity and can keep flood-related smells away for up to six months
• Vanquish (#175) is a powerful, EPA-registered disinfectant and deodorant that kills a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses
• Wall and All Surface Cleaner (#351), a detergent-based cleaner that is safe for all washable, painted surfaces

With all of this in mind, the next time you need water damage repair work done, contact your helpful neighbors at SERVPRO of New London. Call us anytime at (860) 443-2222 for fast assistance.

Water Damage Restoration in Your Waterford Home

1/4/2023 (Permalink)

We aim to restore your property as quickly as possible, “Like It Never Even Happened.”

Call SERVPRO When You Need Water Damage Restoration for Your Waterford Property

No one plans for a water damage emergency. When you suddenly find your home flooded, you might need help knowing where to begin to return your property to its prior condition. Make the right move and call our HQ to mitigate the water damage.

At SERVPRO, we are trained and experienced in water damage restoration, so we can have your Waterford property dried and cleaned promptly. When we receive your call, we waste no time getting to your residence to assess the damage and create a plan of action. The sooner the restoration can begin, the better to prevent further damage.

Cleaning Contents as Part of Water Damage Restoration

As part of the restoration process, SERVPRO will take care of the required cleaning of things such as the structure itself. Subfloors and walls can require cleaning. We use appropriate cleaning methods for restorable materials, along with professional products. The carpeting may also need cleaning and deodorizing, and SERVPRO technicians use the proper techniques for the soil level. Next, we clean any contents, such as furniture, wall hangings, and electronics.

When the restoration is complete, we finalize the job by ensuring you are satisfied with our work:

• We check the moisture levels a last time to ensure your home is dry.
• We complete a walk-through to ensure everything is done.
• We then conduct the walk-through with the customer and listen to any issues.
• We fix any problems as necessary.
• We remove our supplies and equipment.
• Then the customer completes a Certificate of Satisfaction.
• Payments are collected as appropriate
• Paperwork is returned to the office.

SERVPRO of New London strives to be thorough in the restoration of your home after water damage has occurred. Call us as soon as an emergency arises at (860) 443-2222, and we will take care of the rest.

Smoke and Fire Restoration for New London Properties

12/6/2022 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of New London fix it, Don’t stress it.

SERVPRO's 24/7 Fire Restoration Saves New London Homes

Even a non-devastating, minor fire in your New London home or business can have extensive consequences. Some issues may not be visible to the average person. To fully identify and mitigate all adverse effects after a fire, you must call professionals to begin proper fire restoration efforts. SERVPRO is available in the area, offering 24/7 response to bring your property back to pre-fire condition. "Like it never even happened."

Structural Issues

During a fire, your home or business will likely have structural damage. With fire restoration in New London, we are always cautious upon entry, taking steps to ensure floor supports are intact. We handle all structural concerns before cleaning and further restoration to care for the safety of our SERVPRO crew and anyone else who may come and go throughout the reconstruction process.

Smoke Damage

The average person might be surprised that most smoke particles only measure about .004 microns in width. Their size makes it easy to work into all nooks and crannies, including porous materials like insulation, drywall, carpeting, and furniture. Many people who attempt DIY fire cleanup fail because of the challenges of addressing all smoke odors and residues. SERVPRO's Odor Control Technicians (OCT) come armed with the best tricks of the trade, including:

• Ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers
• Odor counteractant beads, pellets, or granules
• Air scrubbers with onboard HEPA filters
• Ozone generators
• Hydroxyl equipment

What About Water Damage?

In most cases, fires bring water damage due to dousing the building with water to put out the flames. Without immediate action to dry the interior, you risk costly damage and the onset of mildew and mold. SERVPRO handles all drying along with proper reconstruction and cleanup to leave your property as it was before the fire. 

Regarding fire restoration, nobody beats the team at SERVPRO of New London. Request help online or call our offices at (860) 443-2222 to mobilize a crew to your door. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Mold Inspection Services in New London Help Track Damages

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

For fast and efficient service call SERVPRO of New London at (860) 443-2222.

Professional Mold Inspection in New London

Many homes will experience mold growth in their lifetime, and this is nothing that you should choose to live with for any length of time. Microbial colonies are destructive to structural integrity and can threaten your household with their rapidly spreading capabilities. Professional inspection services can help track the presence of mold.

Can You Find Mold on Your Own?

While there is a necessity for professional mold inspection in New London properties when you suspect a threat, there are ways that homeowners can determine their need for remediation services preemptively. Specific signs often accompany early mold development, such as spots on the surfaces of drywall and wood trim or musty malodors that overwhelm small spaces of your home can be strong indicators of a microbial presence.

Professional Inspection Services

While there are signs that mold damage might threaten your home, it is often better to get final confirmation or the complete picture of this impact from our professional inspectors. Through air sample testing and thorough visual evaluations, we can track the migration of organisms and determine where remediation attention is needed and how to contain the current threat to avoid further contamination and infestation.

When You Find Mold, What Do You Do?

The discovery of mold can be alarming and stressful, especially when you are unclear on how to proceed. With experienced and leading remediation specialists on our roster, we can help you find the best mold removal solution to return your home to pre-damaged condition as soon as possible. We carefully evaluate the situation of hosting elements to choose among several possible remediation methods:

• Antimicrobial Products
• Abrasive Cleaning
• Sanding
• Controlled Demolition

Microbial growth can be a substantial threat to your home or business. Knowing where you stand with these possible threats can ensure you are better prepared to face what you must do with remediation specialists. Give SERVPRO of New London a call to help at (860) 443-2222.

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration New London is Better with Certified Professionals

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

Disaster may strike at any time in New London. Call SERVPRO for the fire damage restoration services needed for your property.

SERVPRO Offers Commercial Fire Damage Restoration in New London

A fire at your commercial property can impact more than just the building’s structure. It can ruin equipment or inventory and displace workers. Outside of the typical fire and smoke damage, water damage can occur. 

Professionals performing commercial fire damage restoration in your New London property can assure you that your inventory, building, tenants, and employees are safe. At SERVPRO, we aim to restore commercial properties quickly while causing minimal disruption to business activities. Our restoration process includes these steps: 

• Assessing the fire damage
• Board up and tarping services
• Water removal
• Removal of smoke residues
• Cleanup

Assessing the Damage 

Our SERVPRO technicians can inspect your property and document the damage. We can also determine what to save or discard and the most appropriate restoration process. 

Board Up and Tarping Services

Our team could board up all vulnerable parts like broken windows and doors and apply roof tarps if the fire ruined roofing materials. This helps prevent additional damage from weather, vandalism, and debris. 

Water Removal

Suppose your commercial property has standard commercial-grade sprinkler systems installed. In that case, each sprinkler head can discharge about 20 to 40 gallons of water every minute from detecting the fire until it shuts off. Our SERVPRO technicians can use powerful extractors to remove the water and dry the affected areas using air movers and dehumidifiers. 

Removal of Smoke Residues

The type of materials burned affects the aerosols and smoke particles a fire produces. Natural materials like paper, dry wood, cotton, and cork usually produce powdery, dry, small, and non-smeary residues. Artificial materials like foam rubber, plastics, and similar polymers make significant, wet, and easily smeared residue particles. Our SERVPRO team can remove smoke residues from the salvageable structures and contents. 

Cleanup

Cleaning the retail property is an essential step before tenants move back or employees return to work. It ensures that the building is livable and everything in it is clean, safe, and structurally sound. 

SERVPRO of New London can manage your property’s recovery. We dedicate ourselves to integrity, reliability, and superior quality service. Call us at any time at (860) 443-2222.

Contact Professionals to Take Care of Storm Flood Damage in New London

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

Flood damage? SERVPRO is prepared with restoration equipment and experienced technicians.

Storm Flood Damage in New London Requires SERVPRO’s Help

Few things can match the damage that comes after a flood. When your house is affected by a flood, taking quick action to contact professional flood damage restorers is vital if you want to save it from more damage and make sure it is safe for you to live in it again.

If your New London home has storm flood damage, SERVPRO is the solution to your problems. We are a team of highly-trained professional restorers armed with advanced technology to deal with any situation in your house. Some of the ways how flooding can affect your home are:

• It can cause emotional hardship in dealing with situations that might come from anxiety, grief, anger, fear, sadness, and frustration.
• Damage to your property, of which 99% results from water damage, can happen to your equipment, belongings, vehicle, and other possessions.
• An economic downturn might happen if your insurance policy does not cover damage due to flooding.

SERVPRO has self-priming trash pumps that help us extract all the standing water and slurry in your house so that we can begin the process of drying and restoration. This helps prevent the damage from spreading over your home to unaffected areas.

To dry all materials to normal conditions, our SERVPRO team can use a range of air movers to blow in blasts of warm air into the affected area to evaporate the water still embedded in the structures of your building and the materials affected. Our main goal here is to get them back to normal levels.

 To ensure no moisture remains in the areas hidden from the site, SERVPRO has structural cavity drying equipment that allows our restorers to direct airflow into wall cavities. The equipment replaces moist, cool air with drier, warmer air, which increases the temperature of the surfaces, lowers the vapor pressure, and increases the evaporation rate. 

To prevent your house from losing its value after flood damage, contact SERVPRO of New London at (860) 443-2222 for fast and efficient restoration services. We can make the storm flood damage seem “Like it never even happened.”

Water Cleanup in West Mystic is Easier With Expert Assistance

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

Afraid your wood floors have been damaged by water? No need to stress it, Let SERVPRO fix it.

Hire SERVPRO for Water Cleanup in Your West Mystic House

Water damage not only makes your house unavailable to you for a good amount of time but also leaves you with a massive process of cleaning up and restoration, all of which are not cheap undertakings. Doing all the work alone might take a long time, at which time the damage might spread or cause some complexities.

You do not need to worry since SERVPRO can effectively perform water cleanup in your West Mystic residence. We can complete the process efficiently and as fast as possible and at a reasonable cost. When you hire a professional water damage restorer, you can expect the following:

• A rapid restoration process that keeps the damage from spreading.
• Professionals have a safe remedy for mold.
• The professionals can detect important details that a layperson cannot see since there is always more than meets the eye.
• Reducing losses that might increase if the water damage is left untreated.
• You get professional advice on your home’s condition and how to complete the restoration process.

Once we inspect the affected area, our SERVPRO team can determine which extraction equipment can provide sufficient water removal. We can use light wands, extraction units, submersible pumps, or deep extraction tools to remove the water. Our restorers remove as much water as possible so that evaporating and dehumidifying the remaining moisture takes a shorter time. 

We also have air filtration devices (AFDs) that act as air movers and filters. They have high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to remove particles that have become airborne, mostly when dealing with a mold colony, at which point we use them as air scrubbers. They also come in handy during the drying process since it helps our SERVPRO team control the number of contaminants being aerosolized due to the air movement we induce. The AFDs help create negative and positive air pressure during water damage restoration processes.

The water cleanup process is effective if handled immediately after the incident. Contact SERVPRO of New London at (860) 443-2222 for effective round-the-clock cleanup services. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

When Fire Restoration Can Be a Challenge in New London Homes

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Fire restoration for your New London home should be handled by SERVPRO. We are the choice you want.

What Slows Fire Restoration?

The restoration process after a fire should begin as soon as possible. With how quickly fire loss effects spread from the ignition point through several house rooms, mitigation is critical to contain these conditions and prevent harm to the structure and its contents. However, some circumstances can slow down the recovery process.

Are Damaged Surfaces Wet?

Fire restoration for New London homes and businesses relies on understanding affected materials and the best approach to resolve the damage. One of the obstacles to this cleanup is a damp structural element or object. Wet environmental conditions or moist materials can influence the kind of smoke damage the house combats. Wet smoke is a challenge to remove, so SERVPRO works fast to manage moisture concerns before more areas of the house are impacted.

How Hot Was the Fire?

The heat of the fire can be an influential component of the cleanability of certain surfaces and materials. High heat disasters create turbulent smoke currents, impacting many exteriors as the fire rages. Pressure is also a consideration in these conditions, as the hottest fires can propel smoke solids at vertical surfaces with high velocity.

Composition of the Material

The type of material impacted will also make a difference in how readily they can be cleaned after fire damage. Non-porous materials are consistently salvageable, making some of the easiest building elements to restore after soot damage products like:

• Concrete
• Tile
• Synthetics
• Vinyl coatings

A Material's Age

Older building materials and contents can be a factor in the washability of impacted surfaces. The older these materials are, the more corrosive soot deposits can cause irreparable harm. Aging structure and contents are part of evaluating the property's damage when SERVPRO first arrives.

Fires can be stressful, but our SERVPRO of New London team has the knowledge, equipment, and certified restorers to help. Give us a call at (860) 443-2222. 

Water Damage Behavior Impacts Restoration in West Mystic Homes

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none. Call now!

Water Damage Migration Must Be Managed

 Mitigation is the first attempt SERVPRO professionals have at protecting the property and its contents from extensive damage. Water movement is a continuous process after a disaster occurs, and understanding this migration and how it happens can help our technicians devise a suitable defense for preventable damages. Principles of water migration include:

• Wet goes to dry
• Hot goes to cold
• High pressure to low pressure

Dampness Seeks Dryness

Water continues to move until equilibrium is reached, or water damage in West Mystic homes gets dried and cleaned up. The movement of moisture is a natural process where environmental conditions seek to level out. The most direct way that this can happen is wet areas of the house migrating to dry areas. This knowledge encourages our SERVPRO team to establish effective containment measures to prevent this migration however possible. 

Warm Seeks Cold

Temperature manipulation can be a critical element of the drying process, but variances in cold and warm areas in the house can cause moisture to move. Warm always migrates to cold. To combat this in a drying phase, SERVPRO professionals warm surrounding regions of the work zone to a similar temperature to promote focused drying where needed.

High Pressure Seeks Low Pressure

Vapor pressure is another consideration for how water damage will act in a property after leaks. The drying process changes the kind of pressure surrounding specific materials and different rooms of the house. Areas of higher pressure, which can also occur with warmer temperatures, seek lower pressure by absorption through the wall systems or humidity migration.

The expected movement of water damage can influence restoration practices and mitigation solutions provided by our SERVPRO of New London team. Understanding what to expect allows our team to prepare suitable restoration and recovery options that minimize reconstruction needs. Call now at (860) 443-2222.

Early Measures to Improve New London Mold Remediation

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Mold remediation is no easy task. Call SERVPRO for the help you need. We are ready at a moment's notice.

Slowing Microbial Spread for Fast Mold Remediation

Water and flood damage can often lead to mold growth and microbial threats. When colonies exist in your house, spores can spread fast to migrate the organism throughout the structure. Early actions by SERVPRO professionals can slow this process.

Containing the Colonies

Mold remediation for New London homes must first focus on containment efforts to slow the movement of spores. Microbes find many pathways through a residence when active colonies exist, so initial containment measures are a barrier to opening to other house rooms and the HVAC system's returns and vents. 

Sporicidal Agents and Inhibitors

Powerful products can also protect surfaces and contents from hosting mold colonies. Sporicidal agents used to eliminate active organisms on the surface of hosting materials can also serve as inhibitors to developing colonies.

The Need for Effective Drying

Drying can also be a way to make areas of the house less favorable for mold development, thereby stopping the movement of spores to new areas of the home. Air movers and dehumidifiers can regulate moist surfaces and environmental humidity, bringing them below the dampness level necessary to facilitate mold growth.

Starting Mold Remediation for Homes

After successfully slowing the progression of microbial spores in residence, we can focus on remediation efforts. Removing active colonies as thoroughly as possible is vital, as lingering mold organisms can continue to impact and damage the hosting materials. There are several possible mold removal strategies used by our SERVPRO team, including:

• Cleaning
• Dry ice blasting
• Abrasive cleaning
• Sanding
• Material removal

Early actions can help to reduce the pace of microbial migration in the structure. We prioritize efforts to minimize the destruction colonies can cause, and containment is a large component of this focus. Our SERVPRO of New London team can help with fast remediation solutions when you suspect mold development in your house. Call now at (860) 443-2222.

Realistic Drying Goals for Water Damage in New London Shops

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage restoration is no DIY project. Call SERVPRO for fast and immediate service.

Efficient Water Damage Drying is Our Priority

With the importance of sufficient drying and the many tools and products involved in this process, mitigation and restoration work must start immediately when your shop suffers water damage. Our SERVPRO professionals work directly with the property management and the insurance company to set up estimated timelines and costs to keep everyone aware of what to expect.

Setting Realistic Drying Expectations

Setting realistic and achievable drying goals for water damage in New London stores is important for your employees and customers. Property owners need to realize that, in most cases, sufficient drying does not happen overnight. We work to produce the most efficient and direct results for commercial structures, which means several objectives like:

• Achievable timeline
• Continual monitoring
• Mold prevention
• Surface cleaning

Measuring Success of Drying Tools

Drying is not a set-and-forget process for our restoration professionals. This procedure introduces dozens of evaporation tools and dehumidifiers into the workspace that must combine efforts to produce the intended results. Using moisture meters and hygrometers, we can continually track water damage and humidity to document the impact these machines have on the process.

Adjusting to Increase Production

Technicians will continually monitor air movers and other drying equipment to ensure they are as productive and efficient as our crew chief anticipates. In some cases, units might require rearranging, additional machines to be added, or even times where equipment can be removed to maintain the timeline necessary for appropriate drying and restoration.

There are many considerations and factors that influence the pace and production of drying processes. We prioritize the fastest and most thorough structural drying of businesses to get your doors back open after a disaster. This is an evolving process beginning as soon as we arrive. Give our SERVPRO of New London team a call when disasters strike at (860) 443-2222.

Understanding Smoke Damage for Fire Restoration in New London

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke damage restoration is no easy task. SERVPRO will be on-site within 4 hours of the initial call.

Smoke Can Be a Formidable Fire Restoration Hurdle

Fires are universally damaging and threatening situations for homes and businesses alike. Smoke can impact the home in many ways, both during the combustion of materials in the house and after the fire gets extinguished. Our focus as an experienced restoration company is to help manage the damage that smoke can do and return your property to preloss condition.

What is Smoke?

Fire restoration for New London properties centers around the impact of smoke. But what is smoke? This is a byproduct of combustion when burning materials decompose into gas and solid particles. This combination becomes aerosolized, and the particles stay suspended in the environment until they adversely impact the residence.

What Impacts Combustion Rates?

The pace at which materials burn and the degree to which these elements get destroyed plays a part in how much smoke and related soot damage SERVPRO professionals must address. Several factors can influence the combustion rate with materials, such as accelerants being introduced during the burn or atmospheric conditions causing fire to move at a slower, smoldering pace. The event conditions change the thickness and presence of smoke and soot after extinguishment.

Types of Smoke Damage

Understanding these various smoke types can show where specific restoration and cleaning approaches are best. The same methods are not ideal from one kind to the next and, in some cases, could result in irreparable surface impact.

• Dry Smoke - Produced by high heat fires, characterized by a thin and chalky residue.
• Wet Smoke - Moist, thick residual deposits that solvents must often remove.
• Furnace Puffback - Ionized soot damage from an oil furnace that often appears like black spider webs.

After fires, restoration should begin as soon as possible to overcome the many types of smoke damage. SERVPRO of New London can help. Call us today at (860) 443-2222.

Replacing Materials in West Mystic Homes After Flood Damage

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

Flood damage restoration for your Mystic home should be handled by SERVPRO. Our technicians have the training and experience needed for every phase.

Does Flood Damage Require Reconstruction?

Flooding is a devastating threat to area homes. From infiltrating water in the basement to severe storms that allow flooding from the roof, there are many ways that your property could be impacted. Our fast response helps evaluate the need for reconstruction and repairs after flood infiltration.

Assessing the Threat and Reach of Flooding

Flood damage in West Mystic homes can spread rapidly and impact dozens, or even hundreds, of surfaces. It is up to our responding SERVPRO team to evaluate the risk of exposure and catalog loss. When contamination is a concern, directly impacted materials must be considered for removal and replacement.

Controlled Damage Where Necessary

Flooring, wall systems, ceiling assemblies, and other materials exposed to potential contaminants of intruding floodwater should be removed. This is especially true for those porous by composition, so they absorb the water rapidly like drywall and carpeting.

Salvageability of Non-Porous Materials

Non-porous materials can be cleaned, even when exposed to potential contaminants from groundwater infiltration. Our inventory has multiple disinfectants, sanitizing compounds, and agents to overcome bacterial pathogens and other threats. Cleanable surfaces can be plentiful, but common home construction materials include:

• Tile
• Concrete
• Ceramic
• Glass

Full-Service Professionals to Help

In addition to our experience and training with the repairs and reconstruction needed in your home, we have the same professionals ready and able to get mitigation and restoration started as necessary. We work fast to secure the structure and provide needed cleaning and disinfection processes.

Flooding in your home can directly impact and ruin building materials and contents. Swift action is critical to prevent more of your home from suffering the same fate. As leading restoration professionals, we are ready 24/7 to help when disasters strike. Give our SERVPRO of New London team a call as soon as possible at (860) 443-2222.

Choose Experts in New London for Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO understands how important your business is. Let us help you out.

SERVPRO’s Commercial Fire Damage Restoration is the Best in New London

Whether you are in charge of a small retail location, a commercial kitchen, or a large-scale production facility in New London, you need to be prepared to address emergencies like fire and water damage. Any business that gets hit with fire damage could face a significant loss. However, having a team like SERVPRO on your side will help you to cut back on downtime and the cost of your fire restoration claim. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster – helping area businesses get back on their feet with professional fire cleanup and reconstruction.

Preparation is vital if you want to prevent the need for commercial fire damage restoration in New London. SERVPRO recommends:

• Regular inspection and testing of all smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and sprinkler system components.
• All cords, electronics, devices, machinery, and electrical outlets are assessed.
• Ensure your staff has proper fire emergency protocols to follow.
• Keep our number handy should you need our Green Fleet dispatched to assist with fire and smoke remediation.

Should a fire emergency occur, SERVPRO is on the scene and ready to start within as little as four hours of your initial call. Our crew chief will perform a complete assessment once first responders clear your commercial space as safe. We select the best equipment and measures to help us bring your business back to pre-fire condition, including air scrubbers to handle malodors and debris removal so that we can replace charred materials with new materials using controlled demolition. 

We Can Be Your Insurance Liaison

SERVPRO is here to help ensure all the paperwork for your commercial fire insurance claim is filled out and ready for your insurance provider. 

Contact SERVPRO of New London whenever you require fast, efficient commercial fire damage restoration. You can reach us day or night, 365 days a year, by calling (860) 443-2222 or requesting help online.

Water Damage Restoration When You Need it in New London

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Call your local professionals at SERVPRO of New London to ensure your home is dry and sanitary.

SERVPRO is Available 24/7 in New London for Water Damage Restoration

Did you know that any amount of standing water within your New London home could turn into a much larger issue? Even a puddle left by your tub or shower after an overflow could lead to hidden materials damage or create the perfect environment for black mold growth. This is why attempting DIY water cleanup is never a good idea. Instead, contacting the skilled water restoration technicians (WRT) at SERVPRO will give you prompt, thorough results. Faulty appliances, burst pipes, stormwater flooding, and other water-related emergencies are no match for our IICRC-certified team!

When called to assist with a water damage issue in New London, there are several things that SERVPRO must do to reach our goals. We have perfected our methods using the basics of water removal services and drying with the latest equipment, including:

• Rapid extraction of all standing water with the help of powerful pumps, extractors, drying mats, and other industrial-grade tools.
• Water mitigation involves following the path of water migration, putting the appropriate drying equipment in place, and restoring relative humidity with dehumidification.
• Ensuring that water present does not migrate into dry zones of your home by putting containment measures in place. 

We Are Moisture Detection Experts

With any water restoration project, our crew takes the time to ensure no hidden moisture gets left behind. We do this with advanced technology like:

• Moisture meters
• Moisture sensors
• Borescopes
• Thermo-hygrometers

Should there be extensive water damage, SERVPRO enlists the help of trusted area contractors and vendors to bring your property back to pre-water event condition. Saturated, unsalvageable materials like drywall, carpeting, carpet pads, and subfloor get removed and disposed of. New materials are then installed, followed by finishing touches to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Are you looking for prompt, reliable water damage assistance? We are here for you 24 hours a day at SERVPRO of New London. Request help online or give our customer care center a call at (860) 443-2222.

Why Mold Inspection Might Be Necessary in Your West Mystic Property

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is prepared with restoration equipment and experienced technicians.

Call SERVPRO in West Mystic for a Safe, Reliable Mold Remediation Service

Did you know that many West Mystic may already have a developing mold issue within their property without knowing it? This is because mold colonization often remains hidden in dark spaces under cabinetry, along the back wall of a closet, or in other areas where mold spores thrive. There might be a time when you have to call in the professionals to assist with mold cleanup to get your property back to normal. SERVPRO is there to provide you with effective mold remediation services to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Why SERVPRO? If you plan to buy a home and have a mold inspection in West Mystic that comes back positive for colonization, you need a team like SERVPRO to facilitate efficient cleanup. Trying to attempt DIY cleanup, you risk dislodging spores that could travel to other areas of your property and multiply. 

Let Us Take A Look

SERVPRO will come to your home and assess the interior to determine areas where mold colonies are and what caused the moisture problem that brought on the mold growth. We are the professionals you need to help with all facets of your project, including:

• Mold remediation
• Odor management
• Mold damage repairs
• Total sanitizing of all surfaces

Because mold is fickle and the tiny spores can easily travel through the air, our team uses protective barriers to contain it as we work. The crew wears all the appropriate PPE for our safety, and we also pay special attention to your HVAC system in case mold spores moved through there before we arrived. Once we are through and our Odor Control Technicians (OCT) ensure no malodors get left behind, your home will get the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned seal of approval.

Are you worried about the results of a recent mold inspection? Call SERVPRO of New London for efficient remediation at (860) 443-2222.

Fire Restoration of Ceilings and Walls in New London Homes

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Soot and smoke get everywhere during a fire. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 to assess the situation and start the custom fire restoration process in your home.

Sufficient Fire Restoration for New London Homes

After damaging fire loss incidents, the upper portions of wall assemblies and ceiling systems are heavily damaged by soot and smoke deposits. Addressing these concerns means cleaning up after these thick residues after understanding why these specific areas of the property are more prone to damage than others.

Behavior of Smoke

Considering the need for fire restoration in New London properties, it is important to note where our team expects to encounter fire damage. Smoke is a turbulent and violent presence while the fire rages and forces aerosolized solids upward under pressure through convection currents. The result is smoke damage adhered to building materials but rarely loose and removable with mechanical actions like dry vacuuming or brushing. Impacted areas of this pressurized smoke damage deposit include:

• Ceilings
• Wall Surfaces
• Flooring
• Contents

Cleaning Dry Smoke Damage

Dry smoke damage results from high heat blazes where combustion is complete with many building materials, leaving a combination of a thin, chalky residue and ash on other surfaces and contents. Clearing these deposits often requires special tools from our inventory, like chemical sponges that pull soils away from the surface.

Clearing Up Wet Smoke

Wet smoke is a far more challenging byproduct of fire damage. When moist conditions exist during a fire loss incident, resulting in a slower-moving smoldering fire, thick deposits result. Wet smoke must be dissolved or pulled from the surface with chemical processes like emulsification. Our IICRC-certified technicians have several solvents, cleaners, and detergents to help, after mechanical actions remove loose debris. 

Despite how fire impacts your home or business, overcoming the smoke and soot deposits quickly and directly is necessary. Smoke damage is one of the more formidable obstacles, regardless of the residue type. Our SERVPRO of New London FSRT-Certified professionals is ready to help with the cleanup and restoration of your property needs. Call today at (860) 443-2222.

Does Temperature Affect Water Restoration in West Mystic Homes?

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless whether the water intrusion came from above or below, the science behind water damage restoration stays the same. Contact us 24/7.

Temperature Is Linked to Fast Water Restoration

Specific drying principles can influence the time that drying and recovery take after damage incidents in your home. Manipulating these distinct factors helps increase the restoration process's effectiveness and efficiencies. It is critical to provide comprehensive solutions with so many areas of your property becoming impacted, including:

• Walls
• Floors
• Ceilings
• Insulation
• Contents

How Can Temperature Fluctuate?

To begin water damage restoration in West Mystic homes and businesses, property owners must appreciate environmental factors. The temperature of the affected area impacts the continued damage that elements like water can cause. Temperature influences many drying actions, and it can fluctuate dramatically when structural openings exist, airflow is not maintained and managed, or excessive moisture is still a concern.

Increasing Evaporation

It is vital to begin necessary evaporation as soon as possible. This is a fundamental element of the drying process, and our technicians can improve it with an increase in temperature. Warmer conditions cause molecules to move faster, which enhances the efficiency of the evaporation process as warm air passes over moist materials.

Relative Humidity

Another aspect of increasing the temperatures of the impacted areas in your home is growing the capacity for relative humidity. This is the measurement of water weight the air can hold. The higher this capacity, the more elements like air movers can be used to improve evaporation without oversaturating the air. We determine the humidity ratio to balance the placement of air movers and dehumidifiers in the environment.

It is necessary to increase the temperature in drying zones to increase the output of specific actions and make them more productive. Manipulating specific drying principles allows us to complete these actions faster and at a lower cost to the customer. Professionals should handle water damage events quickly, and our SERVPRO of New London team can help. Call now at (860) 443-2222.

Water Damage Repairs to Quickly Reopen New London Offices

5/8/2022 (Permalink)

When water damage at your commercial property surprises you, team SERVPRO can help. Contact us 24/7 for effective water damage restoration services.

Post-Water Damage Repairs Vary for Properties

Having a general contractor license is beneficial to improve the efficacy of water restoration processes and ensure that we offer a seamless transition between recovery and reconstruction where necessary. There are several areas where repairs and build-back services are needed. This can include the initial actions to remove damaged elements and continue through repair options to ensure our restoration solutions are permanent.

Controlled Demolition Solutions

Water damage repairs for New London office buildings typically begin with mitigative actions such as controlled demolition. In the earliest stages of recovery, we must remove bulk materials and affected construction elements to reach damaged areas and return the structure to its original state. We discard saturated materials safely, leaving a stable base for installing these elements when the drying process completes.

Repairing the Plumbing

Another needed action after water damage can be improving the condition of the plumbing involved. Not only does the immediate damaged area need to be replaced if the plumbing was ruptured or broken, but SERVPRO IICRC-certified contractors can evaluate nearby pipes and fittings for replacement or repair if they show signs of similar future threats.

Structural Improvements

In a broader sense, several approaches can also improve the water restoration process and help return your office building to its original condition. Specific actions require our general contractor license, and we can combine our restoration expertise with our extensive training in construction to become full-service contractors. This includes efforts like:

• Replacing Ceiling Tile
• Reinstalling Carpeting
• Temporary Containment

After water damage events, specific actions can help you get your business back up and running. We rely on the fast response of providers to offer both restoration and reconstruction solutions as necessary. Give our SERVPRO of New London team a call now at (860) 443-2222.

The Cleaning Challenge of Fire Restoration in New London Properties

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Fire restoration services by SERVPROO are second to none. Call now for fast and immediate service for your home.

What SERVPRO Does to Simplify Fire Cleanup in New London Homes

Various issues arise whenever there is a property fire. Many of these are considered severe since they can cause bodily harm or require high restoration costs. Most people do not regard cleaning after a fire damage incident as one of the significantly challenging issues. However, cleaning your New London home can prove challenging since it is a labor-intensive process, and the residues are widespread or deeply embedded in materials.

The challenges fire restoration in New London homes poses depends on the resources committed to the process. That is why professionals like SERVPRO manage the process since we rely on advanced equipment to complete many tasks.

Classes of specialized cleaners:

• Immersion cleaning
• Blast cleaning
• Pressure washing

Your home may require all the classes of specialized equipment to facilitate cleaning since fire produces different types of residues. Typical fire residues include wet smoke residues, dry soot, and embedded charring. A method like pressure washing or blast cleaning is suitable for removing embedded deposits from surfaces. However, since pressure washing introduces significant moisture levels, it is better suited for outdoor areas.

How Item Types and Materials Influence Cleaning

From a restoration perspective, the materials impacted by fires have various uniqueness, including item size and component materials. These variations can influence the challenges that you face when cleaning the property. In small items such as utensils, tools, and jewelry, soot readily coats their surfaces, necessitating cleaning item by item. When our SERVPRO technicians use ultrasonic cleaning, such tediousness is eliminated by dipping fire-damaged items in a tank and cleaning them at once.

Other difficult cleaning tasks

• Unfinished wood
• Old surfaces
• Delicate materials like acoustic tiles

The primary issue with old or unfinished materials is porous exteriors, so soot penetrates their surfaces, thus making the cleaning process a challenge.

Fire restoration has many challenges, but SERVPRO of New London can effortlessly help you navigate the process. Call us at (860) 443-2222. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Crucial Steps for Water Mitigation in West Mystic Homes

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO water mitigation technicians have the skills and tools for every size disaster. We are here to help 24/7 365 days a year.

SERVPRO Provides Appropriate Water Restoration Solutions for West Mystic Households

Water is a valuable resource, but in large quantities, it can quickly turn into a destructive force that destroys a wide range of materials, including wood, fabrics, and metal. Water mitigation through steps like moisture management can help limit water intrusion effects on your West Mystic home. 

Water mitigation in a West Mystic home can be done within or away from the premises. Actions that help within the premises mainly involve moisture removal. On the other hand, mitigation away from the premises is when there is a content move out. The expertise SERVPRO offers is helpful under both circumstances.

Helpful water mitigation steps

• Inspecting the property
• Water extraction
• Doing temporary fixes

Permanent Solutions For Water Damage

When mitigating the effects of intruding water, you should also consider the long-term outcome. For example, what happens to the moisture absorbed by materials or the humidity conditions when moisture in wet materials evaporates? Advanced mitigation steps can help deliver long-term results. Our SERVPRO technicians take care of moisture remnants after removing standing water by:

• Removing damaged materials
• Conducting thorough drying
• Deodorization
• Refinishing surfaces

Materials are considered damaged when issues like delamination, warping, or rotting occurs. Since these changes are irreversible, removing the deteriorated materials is essential to ensure they do not cause other problems like odor or structural weakening. Our SERVPRO technicians help remove wet carpets and pads. If only one section of the house is affected, we can ensure neat cuts separating carpets in affected and unaffected rooms. Other materials that require removal when they deteriorate include ceiling panels, drywall, and insulation.

Thoroughly drying all items and especially structural materials is essential. Our SERVPRO crews combine more than one drying approach, such as setting up several air movers and a dehumidifier in each room to facilitate better evaporation.

SERVPRO of New London is prepared to take any steps necessary to ensure successful water mitigation. Call us at (860) 443-2222. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Ensuring Mold Remediation Outcomes in New London Homes Last

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Mold restoration for your property needs to be done by a professional and experienced team. SERVPRO techs are ready 24/7 365 days a year.

What SERVPRO Does During Mold Restoration in New London for Better Outcomes?

So you have dealt with the mold contamination at your New London home. What if it recurs after a short time? All the costs, time, and effort put into facilitating mitigation becomes a waste. Tackling mold remediation to prevent recurrence is the best approach. Steps such as finding moisture sources and removing heavily infested materials are necessary for such outcomes.

The outcomes of mold remediation in New London properties can vary significantly based on what you prioritize. For instance, if your main concern is how quickly you can eliminate the visible signs of mold, you are more likely to favor quick remedies rather than solutions that address the root of the problem. SERVPRO can help you get faster results without sacrificing thoroughness.

Crucial actions for long term results include:

• Fixing any active leaks
• Removing porous materials
• Addressing humidity
• Confirming there is no hidden wetness

Cleaning mold colonies from surfaces is crucial, but on its own, it cannot guarantee long-term results. Whether someone uses simple approaches such as damp wiping the affected areas with an antimicrobial detergent or advanced methods such as blast cleaning with something like dry ice, the contamination can recur if other steps are not taken,

Confusing Or Overlooking Issues

It is easy to confuse some aspects of restoration, thus overlooking crucial steps. For example, you probably know moisture is the main trigger for mold germination. However, you must follow a systematic approach when dealing with moisture. Finding active leaks and identifying all wet materials is essential. Stopping the leaks means no new moisture is introduced into the building. Identifying wet materials, especially in hidden areas, ensures they do not act as reservoirs. Our SERVPRO technicians easily probe moisture issues using specialized equipment.

Moisture evaluation in a moldy property requires

• Thermal cameras
• Moisture meters of sensors
• Thermo-hygrometers

After identifying the moisture sources, thorough drying efforts are necessary. Our SERVPRO teams use a comprehensive drying approach involving air movers, dehumidifiers, and specialized cavity drying equipment.

SERVPRO of New London ensures satisfactory results from mold remediation exercises. Call us at (860) 443-2222.

Restoring Your New London Office After Water Leaks

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO commercial water damage specialists are ready at a moment's notice to come to your buildings rescue. We will be on-site ASAP.

Pipe leaks and breaks can cause an urgent need for water clean-up in New London commercial properties.

When plumbing damage results in your office building, it can quickly reach workspaces through thin-wall systems and ceiling assemblies. Water can highly damage office space from the drop ceiling and its tiles to the metal framework with drywall faces. We must also protect against additional damage that water can do within the office to spaces like:

• Documents
• Furniture
• Electronics
• Office Equipment

Removing Standing and Spreading Water

Water cleanup in New London office buildings begins by removing any standing water from the flooring. Pooling of any type is a hazard, primarily because moisture overwhelms porous building materials. We have several extractors in our inventory that can quickly remove surface water concerns and others to eliminate moisture that has been absorbed into carpeting or wood flooring.

Clearing Bulk Matter and Debris

It is vital to remove bulk materials and debris from the property after water damage. Collapsed structural elements and degrading materials can create more complex situations that ultimately damage the property worse by hiding potential problems. We prioritize the cleanup of office buildings to ensure that the entire drying process is completed as soon as possible.

Thorough Drying and Reconstruction

Another focal point of responding technicians is the physical destruction and damage that results in building materials common to office space construction. Drywall, carpeting, ceiling tile, and more porous elements can become overwhelmed by spreading water. While the drying process is underway, we can also replace these discarded structural elements. 

Office buildings and commercial properties are common in the area, so our SERVPRO of New London team prepares for emergencies and disasters with a large loss recovery division. While the objective is the same, this team arrives with larger-scale drying and cleaning tools to quickly manage mitigation needs. Give us a call anytime at (860) 443-2222. 

How to Resolve Roof Damage After Storms in New London

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage services by SERVPRO are second to none. Call now for fast and immediate service for your home.

Roof vulnerabilities can result in flood damage and continued degradation of New London properties.

From harsh winds and torrential rainfall to significant weather events during the winter months, there are several threats a property might experience that could compromise or cripple exterior defenses like the roof. We have fast repair and flood cleanup solutions to help.

Temporary Construction Solutions

Flood damage in New London homes entering the attic space requires certain types of reconstruction and repair services to resolve. First, vulnerabilities where water can penetrate, must be fixed and sealed using temporary construction solutions like board-up and tarping. Our contractor license gives us the expertise to evaluate the condition of properties and where this type of repair and emergency services might be needed.

Clearing Water Damage from Attics

Standing water in the attic or excess moisture can be destructive to the property in several ways. Damp materials can sag and collapse in the living space beneath the attic while standing water or humid conditions can facilitate mold growth if water damage is not quickly resolved. The water removal services and drying needed to help after penetration requires a combination of extractors and evaporative drying equipment like:

• High-pressure pumps
• Wet vacuums
• Axial air movers
• Desiccant dehumidifiers

Repairing the Roof When the Storm Passes

With the damage mostly resolved inside the house, we can turn attention to the repairs and reconstruction needs of the property. Our SERVPRO team can resolve threats to roof building materials impacted by severe weather events. We have a contractor license that allows us to complete build-back services where needed, including the full reconstruction of collapsed roofs.

Choosing SERVPRO of New London for post-storm cleanup and recovery means having a team equipped for restoration and reconstruction often needed after flood damages. When your roof suffers vulnerabilities that allow for water penetration, our fast mitigation actions can help. Call today at (860) 443-2222.

West Mystic Kitchen Fires Leave Challenging Fire Restoration

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires are very hard to handle. SERVPRO fire damage restoration techs have you covered from start to finish. Call now!

In West Mystic homes, grease or cooking fires must be cleaned professionally to return preloss conditions.

Flare-ups in the kitchen can be a common callout for our fire restoration team. Despite the extinguishment happening quickly and the bulk of effects in this room, there are a few threats to efficient mitigation and restoration solutions. We work fast to inspect fire-damaged kitchens and adjoining spaces to eliminate soot, clean up after suppression, and remove health-hazardous smoke solids circulating in the environment.

Thick Residue Deposits

Many formidable challenges prevent rapid fire damage restoration in West Mystic kitchens. The first of these overwhelming loss effects is a thick soot residue. Grease and protein residues must be managed through dissolving and emulsifying soil deposits. Solvents used to dissolve stubborn residues can protect the underlying substrates of cabinets, countertops, and wall systems.

Impact on Exposed Elements

Yet another substantial obstacle for our restorers is the immediate impact of high heat fires on exposed building materials and fixtures. Cabinets can have their finish destroyed by direct fire exposure, and blistering or peeling of cabinet bases can make their restoration impossible. Often, these impacted materials must get removed and replaced rather than cleaned and refinished.

Protein Fire Odors

Odors are another concern after fire damage in the kitchen. From the burned proteins in food involved in the fire to the grease or accelerant that amplified the situation, lingering odors are a significant obstacle for restoring professionals. We have multiple strategies to combat malodorous in the property, including:

• Counteractant products
• Surface cleaning
• Air filtration
• Hydroxyl machines

Cleaning up after a fire in your home can be a significant and substantial struggle for even experienced restoration professionals, given the number of surfaces impacted and the potential for spreading to new areas. Our SERVPRO of New London team can help fast when you call (860) 443-2222.

Looking for West Mystic Washer Overflow Water Damage Cleanup?

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

When water damage from a broken appliance occurs in your West Mystic home--Call SERVPRO--We're Faster To Any Size Disaster

SERVPRO Water Damage Mitigation Preserves West Mystic Laundry Rooms

Home water damage from appliance overflows can have a sudden and profound impact on drywall, baseboards, tile grout, subflooring, and carpeting, as well as West Mystic home contents in the vicinity. Regardless of whether the cause is a clog in the drainpipe, a supply line failure, or a damaged door gasket, fast-acting cleanup is a must for preventing further damage and the onset of mold growth.

West Mystic SERVPRO professionals implement water damage cleanup that mitigates mold growth risk 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These technicians can salvage drywall, carpeting, and subflooring to preserve an affected home's structural integrity and comfort with minimal repair and replacement costs.

Water Damage Cleanup Tasks for Tile Floor Laundry Rooms

SERVPRO restoration professionals focus on inspecting laundry room surfaces and structural materials with calibrated sensors and meters before implementing cleanup with EPA-registered biocides and portable extraction units, mops, and wet/dry vacuums.

• Nearby carpeting and rugs can be sanitized, dried, and tented for on-site drying with air movers and low-grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidification units
• Water-damaged ceramic tiles mounted over plywood are typically waterproofed. However, cracks in the sealant can form and allow water inside over time. While tiles prove quite resilient, the grout may require repairs for the safe reinstallation of tiles in the affected area
• Depending on the location of the laundry room and the accessibility of the subfloor, SERVPRO water restoration technicians can dry the floor from underneath. Techs can also drill small holes into the floor to monitor the subfloor during restoration

SERVPRO of New London provides "Like it never even happened" restoration services for homeowners who call (860) 443-2222.

How Does Professional Mold Remediation Fix New London Homes?

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO works with your New London Homeowners Insurance policy regarding mold damage remediation. Do you have it?

New London SERVPRO's 24/7 Mold Remediation Includes Repair and Rebuilding Services

Mold damage from elevated moisture, water damage, and other sources can create health effects in New London homeowners. Certified professionals can successfully mitigate this risk by using personal protective equipment (PPE), containment and decontamination protocols, and commercial-grade structural drying.

SERVPRO mold remediation technicians address New London residential contamination with EPA-registered biocides and industrial-grade remediation and drying equipment. Technicians and franchise owners undergo extensive training in several restoration categories, including mold cleanup, to return local properties to a mold-free condition.

SERVPRO Availability Maximizes Restoration Potential After Mold Damage

SERVPRO's commitment to 24/7 availability means that homeowners can count on this crew for emergency-response services. Within hours of a resident's call, crew members can perform an inspection of the affected property and consult with occupants about what steps need to be taken to restore mold-damaged structures and contents.

SERVPRO availability provides multiple additional benefits, including:

• A faster return to normalcy. Since disasters do not occur on a 9-to-5 schedule, the services necessary to remediate microbial growth should be just as ready to act
• Mitigation of indoor air quality concerns. While all indoor and outdoor spaces contain some traces of mold, excess mold spore growth can create unpleasant odors and eat away at structural materials without intervention from certified mitigation technicians
• Cost-effective mold remediation. The more quickly restoration professionals can respond to a homeowner's mold infestation concerns, the fewer expenses are necessary to restore, replace, and repair structures and contents.

If a property owner's home insurance policy or other coverage covers mold, SERVPRO documentation, correspondence, and inspection data can aid significantly in streamlining the claims filing process.

We're Faster To Any Size Disaster and ready to respond to the community's needs. Homeowners can reach SERVPRO of New London for restoration services at (860) 443-2222.

New London Fire Damage Restoration for Commercial HVAC, How Can Help?

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

New London area commercial buildings rely on SERVPRO for cleaning ducts after a fire damaging incident, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Fire Damage Restoration Provides New London HVAC Soot Cleanup

According to 2019 data from the U.S. Fire Administration, non-residential building fires impacted over 110,000 structures across the country. Cooking mishaps caused almost a third of these fires. Fires in New London facilities that handle food, whether they occur in restaurant kitchens or office break room kitchenettes, require a high standard of fire damage mitigation that can minimize business downtime.

New London SERVPRO fire damage restoration professionals respond within hours to commercial property owners’ calls to remove debris, eliminate the presence of soils and odors, and perform necessary repair and replacement tasks per the standards set by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC.)

HVAC Cleaning and Restoration for Commercial Facilities

While HVAC systems do not always require cleanup after a fire, SERVPRO technicians do inspect them for smoke residue buildup or other soils related to fire damage. Vent systems can spread hot, smoke-filled air throughout a commercial property that can impact indoor air quality without careful cleaning with EPA-approved cleaning agents designed for air ducts.

• Sheet metal ducts are typically restorable. Insulation that may be surrounding ducts may require replacement if it cannot be deodorized
• In areas where ductwork is inaccessible for cleaning, SERVPRO professionals can seal these areas. In areas that require more thorough cleaning, technicians can perform disassembly of components
• HVAC duct cleaning after fire damage entails vacuuming loose, dry soot and dust from inlets, outlets, and any other surface inside the duct. Agitation tools and OSHA-approved sanitation solutions can be used for toucher residues
• SERVPRO odor control professionals can use ULV fogging for effective odor control inside ductwork, especially in areas that require sealing

Business owners can count on SERVPRO of New London to provide “Like it never even happened” restoration services. Call (860) 443-2222 to get started.

The Likelihood of Flooding in New London

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

Flood damage restoration is no DIY project. SERVPRO crews have the manpower and equipment for every phase needed for your home.

Understanding the damage flooding can cause New London homes shows how restorers are needed.

While the efforts of city officials and area experts to revamp and redesign the storm sewer system and outflow concerns for the municipality have helped with the frequent flooding of areas like Broad Street, New London is still affected by surges and flash flooding that requires the experience and fast response of SERVPRO professionals to restore.

Are Certain Areas More Prone to Flooding?

Flood damage in New London used to be a much more widespread and threatening aspect during severe weather events, though the impact of storms as recent as Tropical Storm Henri saw a much smaller section of the city impacted by surging waters and rising water bodies. Lower-lying areas of New London County typically experience the worst potential flooding.

What Portions of a Home Are Likely to Be Affected?

Basements are among the most heavily impacted and destroyed by intruding floodwater. As fiercely as this flooding can apply hydrostatic pressure against foundational walls, immediate repairs and mitigation are beneficial. Other areas also commonly impacted by severe weather include:

• Attic
• Crawlspace
• Garage

How Can SERVPRO Help?

Over the years, many in New London County have come to depend on the fast response of our SERVPRO team when disasters strike. We have been there for the past emergencies and continue to be a trusted name for mitigation, cleaning, and restoration after flooding. Our professionals stay ready 24/7 to help with industry-leading extraction and drying tools.

Understanding how likely flooding is to the area and what portions of your home are likely to experience violent battering from water is important in doing the utmost to protect the property. Our SERVPRO of New London team is quick to help with powerful mitigative solutions when you call (860) 443-2222.  

What Type of Smoke Damage Exists After a Fire in New London Homes?

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and fire damage restoration services by SERVPRO are the best around. We will be on-site within 4 hours of the initial call.

Understanding the type of smoke damage in New London properties focuses on restoration efforts for efficient recovery.

With so many types of fires and various materials that can be combusted during the disaster, it is natural that restorers might encounter several compositions of smoke damage on the same job. Often one type is dominant, steering much of the needed cleanup practices. Our professionals rapidly evaluate the conditions of a property after fire damage to identify needed smoke damage removal tactics. 

What Type of Smoke Damage Are You Facing? 

The type of smoke and fire damage in New London homes makes a difference in the restoration strategy used to manage the condition. Some of these include:

• Dry Smoke – High heat fires with excessive pressure produce thin soils on surfaces with a chalky texture. 
• Wet Smoke – Slow burning, smoldering fires produce thicker, heavier, moist smoke particles that heap on surfaces. 
• Other – Oil furnaces and protein fires on stovetops can each produce unique soot and smoke residue challenges. 

Removing Dry Smoke Damage

With dry smoke being thinner and more manageable, removing these deposits is often a product of vacuuming and brushing away loose debris. Whatever is left adhered to the affected surfaces is usually removed using chem sponges. 

Cleaning After Wet Smoke

Wet smoke can be a substantial threat to homes because of how thick these residues become on surfaces. Moist or oily soot residues require wet cleaning solutions to dissolve or emulsify a coating of smoke soils after loose debris is managed and eliminated with mechanical actions like compressed air, vacuuming, and brushing.

Smoke damage can be a formidable obstacle for restoration professionals to face, so our SERVPRO of New London team gathers information on the condition of a property as soon as possible. With careful evaluation and leading recovery equipment, we can quickly mitigate loss after a fire. Call today at (860) 443-2222.

When Are Wood Floors in West Mystic Homes Too Damaged to Save?

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Burst pipes can cause havoc. SERVPRO water damage restoration technicians have the training and equipment for every size disaster.

After water damage, wood floors in West Mystic homes can become damaged by moisture and saturation.

Wood flooring is one of the typical construction staples of area homes, and when water damage results from various catalysts, these semi-porous building materials can quickly absorb moisture. To prevent the kind of damage that requires tear-out and full replacement of the flooring, professionals like ours must act fast to manage surface water concerns.

Assessing the Condition of the House

The first step in water damage restoration for West Mystic homes is determining the property's condition. Depending on the nature of the water damage, structural elements and utility lines could be severely compromised and in need of immediate attention to prevent the situation from getting worse. A quick evaluation of the house and its contents can showcase any emergency services necessary. 

The Type of Present Water Damage

Any pooling on the surface after water damage like burst pipes or leaks can leak to varying levels of destruction for affected wood plank flooring. Much of the water damage can be classified into three categories:

• Surface Water – This type has not yet breached the seams of plank flooring or penetrated the finish. It is the most possible to fully remove and dry the damage at this stage. 
• Free Water – Water has saturated the planks in this phase but has not yet chemically bonded with the material. 
• Bound Water – When water molecules bond with wood planks, the composition, and appearance of the flooring change. Physical distortion often requires replacement. 

Physical Indicators to Remove Planks

Our professionals need to determine where physical damage has occurred to the point where demolition and flooring replacement are the suitable options. This often means:

• Warping
• Distortion
• Bloating
• Unevenness 

No matter how wood flooring becomes impacted by water damage, our SERVPRO of New London team can help. Give us a call today at (860) 443-2222.

When You Need Assistance with Storm Flood Damage, Call SERVPRO to Your West Mystic Home

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

After a recent storm caused damage to your home, contact SERVPRO to prevent any additional flood damage being caused to your property. Call 24/7.

SERVPRO is Available for Flood Damage Restoration After a West Mystic Storm, 24/7!

Stormy weather can lead to various damage for homes in West Mystic, including damaged windows and doors, roof damage, and basement flooding. With heavy rain, your ground level or basement could also take on a lot of contaminated debris in the floodwater. Rather than chancing exposure to contamination and toxic elements, SERVPRO is available for flood cleanup and restoration you can trust. Additionally, we ensure all surfaces get sanitized to keep mold, mildew, and musty odors from developing.

When you require assistance, our SERVPRO crew is ready 24/7 for flood damage restoration in West Mystic. We respond within hours of your call and offer tarping and board-up services for your roof and windows, as well as any punctures caused by flying debris penetration. Our Green Fleet also comes equipped with water extraction tools and dehumidifiers to help remove water and restore relative humidity (RH).

For the contents and furnishings in your home, it is essential to remember:

• Non-porous contents can undergo cleaning and sanitizing.
• Some items may be cleaned and removed with our pack-out services to store them off-site until the restoration gets completed.
• Porous materials that have taken on contaminated wastewater get carefully assessed to determine salvageability.
• Controlled demolition might be necessary for flooring or interior walls that have absorbed water.

Our job is never complete until we are confident no moisture gets left behind. We utilize moisture meters, moisture sensors, thermal imaging cameras, and thermo-hygrometers to locate and eliminate hidden moisture pockets. Before we sign off on the project, all surfaces get thoroughly cleaned, sanitized, and deodorized to make your interior “Like it never even happened.”

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster at SERVPRO of New London, so call us first when you are dealing with flood damage after recent storms. Contact us by calling (860) 443-2222, and we will send a team out as soon as possible.

New London Residents – Why Preventative Measures Help Protect Your Roof from Water Damage

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Maintaining your roof is key to preventing water damage from happening in your home. Contact team SERVPRO to arrive on the scene with technicians.

SERVPRO Wants New London Property Owners to Have Water Damage Preventative Tips and the Assistance they Need

The roof remains a vital piece of the puzzle of any building. Your New London home’s roof protects the interior while elements like hail, snow, wind, sleet, and UV rays all impact performance. Any minor leak could lead to interior ceiling leaks or hidden water damage. SERVPRO wants area residents to remain armed with preventative tips to keep their roofs in excellent condition so that water infiltration is never an issue.

Why does SERVPRO suggest a maintenance plan to prevent water damage in New London? Because simple measures now keep you from costly repair and restoration in the future. Roof maintenance goes a long way to preventing a leaking roof from storms, so keep these things in mind:

• An in-house inspection helps you to find any areas where water may be coming in. This includes staining or noticeable damage down walls or discoloration happening on your ceilings.
• Keep track of the date your roof was installed, any repairs performed, and any suggested manufacturer upkeep. This is important if your roof is under warranty.
• Look to professional inspection and repair should you have extensive damage.
• After a storm, SERVPRO is there to help with board up and tarping to limit further damage until the roof gets repaired.

If you already notice water damage, a quick call to SERVPRO will get you a skilled team on-site and ready to work within hours. We work quickly with water restoration calls to limit the onset of secondary damage and the potential for mildew and mold growth. We bring water extraction tools, moisture detection equipment, and drying technology to bring your home back to normal “Like it never even happened.”

Why enlist SERVPRO of New London for water damage restoration? Because we take care of the project from start to finish, including all fine details so that you don’t have to. Request help online or give our offices a call 24/7 at (860) 443-2222.

Don’t Let Frozen Pipes and Ice Damming Damage Put a Damper on Your New London Holiday Season

12/5/2021 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO when facing frozen pipes or water damming. Our certified SERVPRO technicians will take care of the problem and help you.

Remaining Proactive About Ice Damming and Frozen Pipes Keep Damage at Bay – But, SERVPRO Can Help When Emergencies Happen!

Nor’easters, ice storms, high winds, and dropping temperatures are all elements of mother nature we are familiar with in the Northeast. Rather than waiting until there is an issue with ice dams or frozen pipes when you are mid-storm in the winter, there are several steps you can take to remain proactive. SERVPRO wants all New London area residents and business owners to know that we are available 24/7 as your light during the storm should you have a restoration emergency!

Preventative Maintenance Works

Damage from ice dams and frozen pipes is never what New London property owners want to deal with. Water expands when it freezes, so it can put a great deal of pressure on whatever contains it, including your water lines, gutter system, and more. Protect your pipes from freezing by:

• Adding insulation to your crawlspace, basement, or attic. The boost in insulation maintains higher temperatures in these zones.
• Check areas of the home with little or no heat to ensure both hot and cold water lines are insulated – this includes the basement, garage, and under your kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
• Look into specific products for insulating pipes, such as UL-listed heat tape, heat cables, pipe sleeves, and even newspaper to provide protection when winter storms arrive.

If you notice icicles or gutter damage developing around the outside of your home, know that ice dams could become an issue. Should the water become trapped, it can lead to hidden water damage or mold growth. SERVPRO can come to your property to locate problem areas, implement moisture detection, cavity drying, and mold remediation.  

Winter storms do not have to bring ice damming and frozen/burst pipe damage. However, SERVPRO of New London is the team to call should you require restoration and cleanup! Contact us 24/7 by calling (860) 443-2222 or requesting help online so we can send out our crew as soon as possible.

New London Homeowners Must be Ready to Handle Mold Growth

11/20/2021 (Permalink)

Mold remediation for your home can be a hassle. SERVPRO IICRC certified techs have the training and experience you need.

Mold can Spread Silently Through a New London Home, Requiring Mold Remediation Efforts.

New London homeowners may suddenly find themselves with mold creeping on their walls or with an inexplicable musty smell. Upon closer inspection, it may become evident that mold is growing throughout the home, and its reach is yet unknown. Although some household cleaners may help control mold momentarily, a professional team of mold remediation specialists is your best alternative.

For help with mold remediation in New London, place a call to our SERVPRO team and let us take care of the problem. Identifying the conditions that make mold spread in your household is the starting step in protecting your home from future growth. Excess humidity is pivotal in creating a suitable environment, so any pipe or ceiling leaks must be fixed as part of the remediation process. Some myths surrounding mold may imply that the average homeowner can address it independently. Still, only a mold remediation team can apply all the necessary cleaning solutions to discourage future growth. Among other myths around mold growth, you will find:

• Mold is not dangerous - mold can cause health effects.
• Mold is seasonal - although increased humidity is ideal for mold growth, it doesn’t disappear in dryer climates. When left unaddressed, mold continues to spread throughout the home.
• Mold happens only in bathrooms- in reality, mold can grow anywhere, and it may take a while before you notice it. Routine inspections of your home can help you tackle the problem before it escalates.

SERVPRO of New London is your best ally in keeping your home in great shape. Call us at (860) 443-2222 for your mold remediation needs, and let us leave your home in mint condition.

What Way is the Quickest to Restore a Business in West Mystic after Fire Damage?

11/13/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial damage mitigation services by SERVPRO are second to none. Call now for fast and immediate service for your property.

Fire Restoration Technicians Help Mitigate Commercial Losses

When a fire erupts in a West Mystic business and its owners require fire damage restoration services, calling a professional fire restoration team is your best option. Each fire has its own path and peculiarities, but soot and smoke require fire damage remediation as quickly as possible. Protecting your establishment and inventory is critical to your bottom line, and a successful restoration team works with that premise in mind. 

SERVPRO helps West Mystic business owners with fire damage. As tempting as it may be to try your hand at salvaging inventory and removing debris, counting on our certified team of experts saves you time and hardship by evaluating current and potential threats. Our staff treats fire and smoke damage through a multi-pronged approach that tackles the fire's residue, removes any water left behind as the fire was extinguished, and counteracts smell molecules lingering after the incident.

As we work diligently to return your place to its initial condition, we keep in mind your insurance claim needs and any other guidelines specific to your industry.

• From our SERVPRO team, you can expect the following services:
• Removal of unsalvageable items
• Deodorization of your business, including addressing the HVAC system
• Application of anti-microbial solutions as appropriate

SERVPRO of New London is your best ally when fire damage threatens your business. Call us at (860) 443-2222 around the clock and let us leave your space "Like it never even happened."

Are Water Restoration Services Available in New London?

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration services by SERVPRO are top-notch. We will be on-site within 4 hours of the initial call.

SERVPRO Assists New London Homeowners in Restoring their Homes and Belongings After a Water Incident

Finding standing water in the basement or living room of your New London home can be discouraging and overwhelming. Identifying the source of the leak, be it a ceiling leak or a burst pipe, is the first step in taking care of your home, but what you do after that is also critical. 

Calling a Certified Team of Water Restoration Technicians is Pivotal to Minimizing Your Loss.

For water restoration in New London, call SERVPRO and allow our team of experts to put their knowledge to work. We assess the damage and chart a path to return your home to its former condition upon arrival. As leaders in the water damage and restoration industry, we have access to the latest technology to extract water from your home and protect it from long-lasting damage. Some of the equipment you may encounter as we service your home include:

• Pumps of different sizes are designed to extract volume from large spaces as well as deposits found under cabinets and within wall cavities.  
• Wet-dry vacuums help us not only to remove water but also to suction debris and residue left behind. SERVPRO staff frequently uses this equipment in the later stages of water damage restoration.
• Moisture meters and thermo-hygrometers also help the water removal process by helping us detect excess humidity and moisture hiding under floors and within surfaces.

SERVPRO of New London is at your service regardless of the size of your needs. Our team is available by calling (860) 443-2222 around the clock. With our expertise and the latest equipment in the industry, we will have your home looking “Like it never even happened.”

How Can SERVPRO Help New London Homeowners After Flood Damage?

10/24/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage restoration is no easy task. Call the professionals of SERVPRO for fast and immediate service.

Fast and Reliable Flood Damage Restoration Makes SERVPRO the First Choice of New London Property Owners

It can be overwhelming to tackle the aftermath of flood damage to your New London Home. Not only are you concerned regarding the safety of your loved ones, but you are also worried about the damage caused to your property. Professional restorers from SERVPRO can help you restore your property and minimize the damage after a flooding incident.  

The goal of SERVPRO techs during the restoration of flood damage to your New London home is to remove the water and dry the structure as soon as possible. Restorers control airflow, humidity, and temperature to create ideal drying conditions. We use several pieces of equipment such as dehumidifiers and air movers to control these factors. However, in some cases, the efficiency can be increased if drying zones are established. 

How Setting up of Drying Zones Help in Water Damage Restoration of Your New London Home? 

Drying zones are created in your flood-damaged New London home during restoration to increase the efficiency of the drying process. Such zones also prevent the contaminants from migrating from the affected area to the rest of the structure. SERVPRO techs often use plastic barriers to seal off the drying zone from the rest of the building. 

Establishing drying zones during water damage restoration serves two purposes-

• Allows the restorers to focus the dry air on wet structures and materials. If the air in the drying zone is not diluted with moist air coming from the rest of the building, restorers can significantly increase the drying rate.
• It also allows location for the contents to dry. SERVPRO techs place water-damaged contents in drying zones to speed their drying as well. 

Call SERVPRO of New London at (860) 443-2222; we can answer your questions 24/7. 

SERVPRO Saves New London Homes from Lasting Effects of Fire Damage

10/17/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration services. by SERVPRO are second to none. We are here to help, no matter the size of the disaster.

Can SERVPRO Effectively Combat Odors After Fire Damage to New London Homes? 

Combating odors after fire damage to your New London home can be challenging to say the least. Only professional restorers like SERVPRO have the necessary tools and equipment to neutralize such odors. 

SERVPRO techs use different approaches to combat odors after fire damage to your New London home, depending on the extent of damage and type of odor involved. Although the odor of a fire-damaged building decreases considerably once the smoke and soot residue is removed, deodorization is necessary in most cases. The actual deodorization procedures vary depending on whether the smoke residues are light, medium, or heavy.

How do SERVPRO Techs Deal with Heavy Smoke Odor Situation During House Fire Cleanup of Your New London Home? 

When the odor is caused by heavy smoke damage, SERVPRO techs may require additional deodorization steps during restoration. Severe smoke odors in hardwood furniture can be difficult to eliminate. SERVPRO techs use dry solvent deodorizers and activated oxygen (ozone) to combat such odors.  

Combating odors in confined areas such as attics also poses a significant challenge. The insulation and rafters in the attics are particularly affected by smoke residues. After ventilating the area, SERVPRO techs spray a water-based deodorant using a ULV fogger. If the odors are too intense, techs might also have to place a layer of new insulation over the old. Restorers also use thermal fogging to deodorize attics. Other deodorization methods include running an air scrubber with an activated carbon and potassium permanganate filter to remove gases and odors.

If smoke damage is detected in the HVAC system, techs often need to seal and thoroughly clean the system before applying any deodorizers. 

Call SERVPRO of New London at (860) 443-2222; our techs are available round the clock to help and assist you.

What Makes SERVPRO One of the Most Relied Upon Water Restoration Companies in New London?

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can come in many different ways. SERVPRO IICRC certified techs' water damage restoration service is top-notch.

SERVPRO's IICRC Certified Techs and Fast Service Makes it One of the Premier Water Restoration Companies in New London

Water damage to your home can occur due to many reasons, including burst pipes and ceilings leaks. Hiring professional water restoration companies like SERVPRO can save your New London home from extensive damage. Our IICRC certified technicians use scientifically proven methods to restore your home "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO is one of the few water restoration companies in New London that have mastered restorative drying. Our technicians use their extensive training to create conditions that ensure a fast and safe drying process. SERVPRO techs use state-of-the-art equipment in every step of the restoration process. We adhere to the IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration. 

How do SERVPRO Techs Set up a Drying Procedure during Water Damage Remediation of Your New London Homes? 

SERVPRO techs divide the restoration of your water-damaged New London home in stages. At the beginning of the drying process, restorers move warm, dry air close to wet surfaces to evaporate surface water and free water. The faster the air moves, the more quickly moisture is evaporated. Critical factors for efficient drying in the beginning stage are the air's warm temperature and low humidity ratio and the speed and amount of air movement.

At the end stages of a drying project, the free water is already removed, and air movement is not as effective at bringing the bound water to the surface of materials. Instead, SERVPRO techs use drier air and increase the temperature of the material to evaporate bound water quickly. Key factors for efficient drying in the end-stage are the dryness of the air and the internal temperature of the material.

Call SERVPRO of New London at (860) 443-2222 for any questions regarding water damage restoration you might have. 

Why Hire Skilled Fire Damage Technicians After a Fire in New London?

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

You need a team you can trust after a fire strikes in your home. Call SERVPRO right away.

SERVPRO Features Trained Fire Damage Professionals Ready to Restore Your New London Property

When you have what appears to be a minor fire within your New London home, your initial thought might be to take your time with clean-up due to the fine details or costs involved. However, anyone will tell you, including your home insurance provider, that waiting too long to wrap up a house fire clean up can bring unexpected costs and damage. Due to the corrosive nature of smoke and soot residue, you could start to see secondary damage and deep-seated odors that are difficult to remedy. SERVPRO is the team to call when you want results fast so that your home is “Like it never even happened.”

Why use IICRC-certified fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) to help with fire damage in New London? Because we have all the training, experience, and equipment ready to go 24/7. All you have to do is reach out and give us a call at SERVPRO, and we will send out a team within hours to help with:

• Once your property gets deemed safe for entry by first responders at the scene, our crew chief begins with a detailed assessment of the fire zone and all structural elements.
• We address any standing water, moisture, or chemicals left from efforts to extinguish the flames.
• Our team employs proven techniques and industrial-grade products to address soot and smoke residue.

• The crew wears personal protection equipment (PPE) for safety purposes and puts containment barriers in place to limit the tracking of contaminants.
• Your interior gets thoroughly cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized to ensure all surfaces are Certified: SERVPRO Clean.
• We take the time to ensure everything gets handled carefully, including paperwork and inventory, to help make your insurance claim proceed as smoothly as possible.

Why wait when you know that you have fire damage to address? Let SERVPRO of New London make your interior like new again. Call our team at (860) 443-2222!

Commercial Carpeting in West Mystic Calls for Prompt Water Removal

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO understands how serious water can damage the carpeting as well as other surfaces on your property, Call us for assistance with water removal.

West Mystic Business Owners in Need of Water Removal and Drying Can Trust SERVPRO

The last thing any property management team or business owner wants is to get hit with secondary damage or mold growth after a water incident. Whether you have ceiling leaks or burst pipes that took over your West Mystic business, you need skilled water removal services, and fast! SERVPRO knows how to address your commercial water damage repairs, including removing water and moisture from your carpeted floors. These high-traffic areas call for precision cleaning, and our team will make your business “Like it never even happened.”

Even though wet carpeting might seem straightforward from a water removal standpoint in West Mystic, there can be many variables to consider. Not all commercial carpeting is the same, but SERVPRO knows how to adjust and act quickly to limit secondary damage and rot. Our technicians take precautions to ensure your high-traffic commercial carpet does not take on additional damage. SERVPRO’s fast water extraction may prevent glued-down carpeting from lifting. If it does lift, it must be removed.

Some of the areas that our water restoration technicians (WRT) pay attention to as we are pulling up water include:

• Carpet shrinkage 
• Fiber damage
• Carpet backing damage
• Bleeding dyes
• Contamination

During our water clean up phase, our technicians have powerful extraction units and various tools to choose from. We may use rovers that use the weight of the technician to push water up from the carpeting, and we also have carpet wands that help us achieve our goals faster. As we work on extraction, we set up industrial fans and dehumidifiers to pull moisture from the air to restore relative humidity (RH) within the water event zone. Everything gets thoroughly cleaned and sanitized so that you can resume regular business activities. 

Does your office space or commercial building require rapid water removal? We can help at SERVPRO of New London! Call our team at (860) 443-2222 for emergency response. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Addressing Moisture and Odors in New London After Storm Flood Damage

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

Storms can bring flooding and water damage. The professionals at SERVPRO are always on call to handle your water damage restoration needs.

New London Homeowners Look to SERVPRO for Prompt Flood Damage Restoration and Cleaning

You may not think that your New London home is in danger of flooding after a storm. However, even homes not within a flood zone could take on basement flooding or other issues after a heavy storm front comes through. Even if you prepare for a potential flood, there are many moving parts that only skilled water restoration technicians (WRT) should handle. SERVPRO is available 24/7 to act as your ally for all water damage repairs, including a leaking roof from storms and more.

When it comes to moisture mitigation and assistance with flood damage in New London after a storm, nobody beats the services SERVPRO offers. We feature IICRC-certified technicians ready to deal with water extraction, drying, and odor control. 

Why Is Odor Control Important After Flooding?

Not only can standing moisture lead to mildew and mold growth, but musty odors also become an issue. Our technicians use HEPA-filter vacuums and EPA-registered antimicrobials and biocides that assist with our odor control efforts. We also have a variety of equipment and deodorization units made for handling floodwater malodors throughout your property. With the help of ultra-low volume foggers (ULV), we can work to tackle stubborn flood-related odors:

• Foggers for dispersing microscopic deodorant particles generated from solvent or water-based agents
• Once dispersed, these deodorant particles bond with odorous particulates on surfaces

In any flood restoration situation, our SERVPRO technicians create containment barriers to keep contamination from moving into areas of your home not impacted by floodwater. We also take care to protect furniture with drop cloths during the fogging process.

Storms are unpredictable, but the flood damage assistance that SERVPRO of New London offers is tried and true. Call us whenever you need us at (860) 443-2222. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Need Help with Fire Damage to Your New London Home? SERVPRO is Just a Call Away

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration is no easy task. Let SERVPRO handle all the work from start to finish. Call now for fast and immediate work.

SERVPRO Protects New London Homes After a Fire Damage Incidence  

Handling the aftermath of fire damage to your New London home can be overwhelming. Hiring a professional fire and smoke damage restoration company like SERVPRO can help you get a grip on the situation and take that first step towards restoring your home. 

One of the most challenging issues for SERVPRO restorers after fire damage to your New London home is to clean up the smoke and soot residue left on various surfaces. While some residues resulting from smoke damage can be dry and relatively easy to clean, others left by burning synthetic material can be oily and sticky. SERVPRO techs use several approaches to clean the residue after fire damage to restore your home “Like it never even happened.”

Cleaning Methods That SERVPRO Techs Use During House Fire Cleanup in New London

The cleaning method that SERVPRO techs use to clean smoke and soot residue from your fire-damaged home in New London varies depending on the type of residue. Dry smoke residues can be easily dislodged with mild to moderate agitation using brushes and scrubbing pads. 

The oily and greasy residues, on the other hand, can be challenging. SERVPRO techs use various solvents to loosen the bond between the soil and surface. While water-based detergent solutions can emulsify some oily soils, others might need to be dissolved with solvents before restorers can remove them. 

Some of the toughest residues need to be chemically altered before SERVPRO techs can clean them up. Enzymes and bleaching agents can help in such situations. 

Call SERVPRO of New London at (860) 443-2222 for any fire damage issues.    

How Can SERVPRO Help New London Residents with Water Damage? 

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration from a burst pipe or ceiling leaks is a job for SERVPRO. Our water damage restoration team is ready to help.

SERVPRO Techs have the Training and Experience to Handle Any Size Water Damage to New London Homes 

Water damage is one of the most common home maintenance issues in New London. It can be caused by many reasons including- 

• Burst pipes
• Ceiling leaks
• Basement flooding 

SERVPRO restorers use a multi-step approach to tackle water damage to your New London homes. We use state-of-the-art equipment to remove any standing water on the property and efficiently dry the structure. SERVPRO technicians are trained in buildings and material sciences and use their knowledge to establish a drying plan based on the project's specific needs and challenges. Rather than just placing the various drying equipment around, SERVPRO techs utilize resources such as natural airflow in your home to speed up the drying process. 

How can Natural Movement of Air Help SERVPRO Techs During Water Cleanup from Your New London Home? 

SERVPRO technicians understand the physics of drying and use the natural airflow in your New London home to their advantage. Air from outside can enter and exit your home from planned openings such as windows, doors, and vents. 

Air entering the indoor environment or the drying environment is known as infiltration, while air exiting the indoor environment or the drying environment is known as exfiltration. SERVPRO restorers anticipate this air movement in and out of the structure during the water damage remediation process. If such a movement favors the drying system, they encourage it, making the drying more efficient. 

A grasp of such knowledge separates SERVPRO' professionals' from other 'novices.'   

Call SERVPRO of New London at (860) 443-2222 for fast and efficient service.   

Can SERVPRO Help with Mold Remediation of New London Homes?

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage can cause serious health effects in your home. SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians use the latest technology and equipment for every job.

SERVPRO’s Highly Trained Team and Fast Service Makes it One of the Most Trusted Mold Remediation Companies in New London 

Unmitigated mold damage can cause serious problems to the structural components of your home. Only a prompt intervention by mold remediation experts can prevent such damage from happening to your New London home. 

SERVPRO technicians can tackle mold growing on various building materials during mold remediation of your New London home. Some of the materials that can support mold growth in your home include- 

• Wood
• Fabric
• Drywall
• Concrete

The most common culprit for mold damage is excessive moisture, and hence, mold is often found growing in bathrooms, attics, and kitchen cabinets. An uncontrolled mold can eat away building material such as wood, compromising the structural integrity of the building. 

How can SERVPRO Help in Mold Inspections, Remediations, and Removal from Your New London Home? 

Safety is SERVPRO's priority during mold remediation of your New London Home. Our IICRC certified technicians work closely with science experts such as Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) professionals and Indoor Environmental Professionals (IEP) to develop a remediation strategy that is both safe and effective. 

SERVPRO experts conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify the problem areas and seal them off to prevent the spores from reaching uncontaminated spaces. 

We use advanced filtering equipment fitted with HEPA filters to remove mold from any salvageable surfaces. Porous material that is heavily contaminated is disposed of according to federal and city guidelines. 

Call SERVPRO of New London at (860) 443-2222 for round-the-clock service.    

What is Necessary to Deal with Sewage Backup after Flood Damage in New England Business Premises?

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding on your premises needs to be dealt with right away to prevent further damage. Contact SERVPRO for effective water removal services.

SERVPRO Helps Carry Out Challenging Tasks Including Sewage Cleanup after Flooding

Flooding can cause significant soiling or contamination in your business premises, especially when there is a sewage backup. In such cases, cleaning must eliminate all trace contaminants from surfaces, contents, or any other materials to fully restore flood damage.

The restoration challenge is more significant if the flood damage in your New London property involves sewage. In addition to the difficulties of removing waste materials, there is also a risk of exposure to hazardous materials. SERVPRO professionals are equipped with the necessary PPE like boots, rubber gloves, bodysuits, and respirators fitted with P100/organic vapor cartridges.

Professional flood restoration helps eliminate the need for separate:

• Biohazard remediation
• Cleaning company
• Disinfecting companies

Before starting the cleanup process, SERVPRO sends crew chiefs to the loss site to inspect the extent of the loss. In most cases, sewage backups affect bathroom areas where it might be simpler to do cleanups since floors and walls are tiled. However, if the floodwater spreads to other sections, different materials might complicate an already challenging task.

Various resources that help clean a flooded property include:

• Plastic shovels for removing solid waste
• Pressure washers to agitate soiled areas
• Antimicrobials and other chemical agents to remove contaminants

Our SERVPRO technicians prioritize the removal of solid wastes. We tear down any porous materials affected by the sewage since decontamination cannot restore sanitary conditions. After finishing cleaning, we also deodorize to eliminate any bad smells.

SERVPRO of New London can help restore any issues in your property after flood damage. Call us at (860) 443-2222. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Does Professional Assistance Change Fire Damage Restoration For West Mystic Homeowners?

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

Was your home affected by a recent fire? Team SERVPRO technicians are standing by 24/7 for your emergency call to remediate the fire damage.

SERVPRO Has the Expertise to Handle Any Challenging Tasks during Fire Damage Restoration

Fire can start from any section of the house, including bedrooms and bathrooms. One common cause of fires in unlikely areas is electrical malfunctions when cables short-circuit or appliances are used incorrectly. Restoring the damage left in your West Mystic home can be more challenging than you expect.

Several aspects can complicate fire damage restoration in your West Mystic home after an electrical problem. For instance, there is a need to strip off and replace all the electrical systems in the affected sections of the structure. Cleaning surfaces to remove soot and other residues may also prove challenging because of plastics, and other synthetic materials, burnt when a fire affects appliances. SERVPRO technicians are well prepared to handle these issues. 

Specialized skills are necessary when addressing:

• Fire and smoke damage
• Smoke remediation
• Water & fire damage restorations
• House fire clean up

SERVPRO professionals strip off wall and ceiling panels to facilitate the removal of cables and other electrical systems. Our technicians are well versed with controlled demolition tasks, so they use approaches that help save any salvageable materials. 

In case the damage is localized, there might be no need for demolition. However, restoration of surfaces caked with soot residues is vital. SERVPRO professionals are well versed with the principles of cleaning, thus easing the removal of embedded residues, "Like it never even happened." The main processes include the location of residues, identification of residues and the type of surface affected, capture and removal as well as proper disposal of such residues. 

The experience SERVPRO of New London has can simplify fire damage restoration at your property. Call us at (860) 443-2222. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How to Manage Water Removal If a Faulty Appliance Damages Your New London Home

7/11/2021 (Permalink)

Water removal is necessary in many types of situations. Should your home be affected, contact our experienced team for water removal services.

SERVPRO Water Removal Services Can be Useful for All Levels of Water Damage

Various issues, including faulty appliances, can lead to water leaks in your New London home. For instance, ice makers can leak if your fridge is not level, has an ice jam, or the condensation drain is clogged, among other things. 

Although an appliance leak may seem minor, elaborate water removal in your New London home may be necessary depending on where the water ends up. For instance, if there is a carpeted floor near the appliance or if the leaked water flows into wall or floor cavities, the removal can be challenging. Our SERVPRO technicians look for ways to address all the challenging aspects of the water leak.

Appliance leaks can be as challenging to resolve as other significant intrusions like:

• Emergency services water damage
• Burst pipes
• Ceiling leaks

Completing the water removal may require various processes. For carpeted surfaces or other porous materials that readily absorb water, drying can take a long time to complete. One way our SERVPRO IICRC-certified technicians overcome this is by removing the carpet or pad for drying. Once the porous materials are stripped away, it is easier to dry the bare surfaces by boosting evaporation rates or dehumidification. Our SERVPRO technicians make calculations to determine the best number of air movers and dehumidifiers to use. 

In the case of water reaching wall cavities, unique approaches such as drilling vent holes at the wall base and using a cavity drying system to force warm, dry air into the void help quicken drying. Our technicians remove the baseboard before drilling and replace it after drying, ensuring a uniform finish.

SERVPRO of New London manages any water removal process professional. Call us at (860) 443-2222. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Should Your Business Hire Remediation Professionals for New London Mold Damage?

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

New London commercial structures rely on SERVPRO for mod remediation

SERVPRO uses the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols for New London commercial mold damage

Why Will Commercial Housekeeping or Cleaning Crews Fall Short on Mold Remediation?

Assigning mold damage in New London business properties as a routine job for your usual cleaning crew can result in poor outcomes. A better choice is to consult with SERVPRO for mold inspection, remediations, and removal.

Although your contracted cleaning service takes great pride in maintaining your New London commercial premises, ironically, the steps it takes to eradicate mold can worsen the situation because:

• Bleach or other cleaners rarely penetrate deeply enough to kill the embedded mold hyphae (root-like parts of a mold organism).
• Cleaning products contain significant quantities of water, encouraging spore growth.
• Eliminating moisture sources must be part of an effective mold remediation plan, typically not a cleaning crew specialty.

Why Is Hiring SERVPRO Mold Specialists a Good Investment for New London Business Owners?

SERVPRO  adheres to the research-based EPA procedures for mold remediation in schools and commercial buildings. The following steps are critical:

• Locating the mold
• Containing the affected area with physical barriers and technology like negative pressure air scrubbers to prevent drift of debris and spores
• Mechanical removal of mold and moldy materials with scrapers and brushes
• Controlled blasting of porous surfaces with soda or dry ice to remove and incapacitate embedded mold organisms
• Clean up of mold debris with HEPA-filtered vacuums and damp wiping
• Lawful disposal of double-bagged moldy materials as hazardous waste
• Treatment of cleaned surfaces with EPA-registered antimicrobials to inhibit mold rebound
• Elimination of the moisture causing mold growth

Training in EPA protocols and extensive experience with water and moisture damage issues make SERVPRO of New London uniquely qualified to respond as mold specialists. A single call to (860) 443-2222 sets your business up for effective mold remediation.

What Are the Basics of Professional Fire Damage Restoration in West Mystic?

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has skilled IICRC certified fire and smoke damage restoration technicians to make a West Mystic home look, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO uses research-based best practices for your West Mystic house fire clean up

When fire damages your West Mystic home, residues from the heat, smoke, and soot pose challenges. Homeowners who try fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup without professional help can expose their loved ones to toxins created by the fire while failing to halt the progressive deterioration of structures.

How Do SERVPRO Experts Assess and Plan for West Mystic Fire and Smoke Remediation?

SERVPRO meets or exceeds the standards developed by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The SERVPRO team comprehensively considers your West Mystic home’s crisis and devises scientifically proven interventions to make it “Like it never even happened.” To ensure fidelity to the standards, we use the principles and elements of fire damage:

Principles of Fire Damage Cleanup

• Locate smoke residues with a thorough inspection of the affected area.
• Identify the characteristics of the smoke damage residues found.
• Determine the types of surfaces coated with the residues.
• Loosen, capture, and remove residues.
• Dispose of residues following local regulations for hazardous waste.

Elements of Fire Damage Cleanup

• Temperature -- technicians adjust temperatures to increase cleaning efficiency considering the product used and the durability of the soiled surface.
• Agitation -- technicians use various tools including towels, scrapers, brushes, water or air pressure, and ultrasonic vibration to loosen the residues and distribute cleaning products.
• Chemical action -- technicians match the cleaning product chemicals to specific residues, breaking the bond between residues and surfaces through dissolving, emulsifying, bleaching, oxidizing, changing pH, or digesting. 
• Time -- technicians calculate appropriate product dwell time for safe and effective professional cleaning and deodorization.

Have confidence in the SERVPRO of New London team when seeking cleaning of fire and smoke damage. Call (860) 443-2222 for a prompt assessment and emergency services.

Should You Put Off New London Water Damage Remediation?

6/6/2021 (Permalink)

If a burst pipe causes a ceiling leak in your New London home--call SERVPRO for cleanup and restoration

SERVPRO crews are available 24/7 to meet New London residents’ water clean up needs

A burst pipe or ceiling leaks are unexpected and unwanted surprises for homeowners, who then scramble for New London emergency services. Water damages structural components and contents rapidly and progressively. Delay in obtaining water removal services turns a manageable inconvenience into a disaster. 

How Does SERVPRO Approach New London Water Damage Repairs?

When the SERVPRO team arrives at your New London home, prepare for professional, organized water damage intervention. An experienced project manager assesses and immediately institutes controls for safety hazards, including:

• Slip, trip, and fall potential -- minimized by signage and fast water mitigation
• Risk of structural collapse from trapped water behind walls or above ceilings -- addressed with temporary supports and targeted demolition techniques:
• Ceiling weep holes
• Baseboard level drainage holes
• Flood cuts
• Exposure to hazardous waste in contaminated fluids -- avoided by containment of affected areas and collection of dirty water for lawful disposal

What Emergency Services Does SERVPRO Provide?

After the safety assessment and institution of controls, Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained SERVPRO workers remove the standing water and prepare for structural drying.

Water clean up uses:

• Submersible pumps for water deeper than two inches
• Truck-mounted extractors -- high-capacity, available even when the power is out
• Portable backpack extractors for smaller and confined areas

Effective structural drying requires:

• Moisture detection and metering, using specialized tools
• Drying plans dependent upon site-specific data:
• Setting differentiated drying goals for various wet materials
• Balancing airflow, temperature, and relative humidity employing:
• Air movers
• Heaters
• Dehumidifiers

Have confidence in the well-equipped and trained experts from SERVPRO of New London. Contact us at (860) 443-2222 -- We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

18 Things to Do Around Your Home Before Winter

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

You'll thank yourself if you complete these fall chores before winter hits.

What chores should you be doing around your home before the cold weather of winter hits? To make it simple, we’ve put together a list so you can completely prepare your home for the winter.

Pre-Winter Chores To Do This Fall

1. Clean your heating source. Whether this is a gas stove, fire place, or your furnace - call your serviceman for their yearly inspection and cleaning. This will help prevent any furnace puffback, chimney fires, and keep your home safe and warm all winter. 
2. Clean up your garden. If you have any perennial plants, now is the time to cut them back for next year. Prune your plants and any weeds. Then, put down your mulch for the winter.
3. Get the spring garden ready. If you like to plant perennials or tend to a vegetable garden, get going before the ground is too cold. 
4. Put away lawn furniture. When it’s clear you won’t be spending much time outside anymore, bring the lawn furniture into your garage or shed so it stays nice and preserved for next year. 
5. Setup or repair fences. You don’t want to wait until the ground is frozen solid to install or repair a fence. 
6. Put up stakes. If you have your driveway plowed, put up stakes at the entrance of the driveway and anywhere a plow may hit when it’s covered in snow. Most people don’t like when the plow demolishes their mailbox.
7. Test outdoor lighting. Check if any bulbs are out and replace them. 
8. Clean out gutters. Make sure there’s no debris, leaves or branches blocking a clear flow of water. 
9. Seal windows and doors. Use weather-stripping tape to help prevent cold drafts and save on heating costs. 
10. Winterize your hose. Once you’re done with the hose, be sure to completely drain it, detach it from the source pipe, and shut off the valve from inside the home to prevent any freeing or bursting. 
11. Gather your firewood. You’ll want to have all your firewood stacked and ready before it’s cold out.
12. Double check your generator. If a blizzard comes through and knocks out power - you want to be prepared. Make sure that it is working properly and that you have fuel safely stored away. 
13. Switch out for your winter tools. Rather than having the lawn mower at the front of your shed or garage, move snow shovels, sand, salt, or your snow blower to the front so you’re ready for the first snow. 
14. Get the car ready. Dig out your snow brush and extra shovel to keep in the car. 
15. Prep your front entryway or mudroom. You’ll want wet, muddy boots to have a place when winter weather comes around, along for a space for puffy winter jackets. 
16. Put down rugs and hang drapes. This can make your home feel cozier during the winter and will help keep heat inside your living space. 
17. Clean the oven. If you haven’t cleaned your oven in a while, it will likely smoke and stink when you turn it to self clean. Do this before it gets too cold so you can open up the windows when doing it. 
18. Make sure the attic is properly insulated. This ensures that heat stays in your living space and prevents a warm roof that leads to ice dams. 

How Can Ice Dams Damage Your Home?

10/15/2020 (Permalink)

The above demonstrates how ice dams form and how they allow water into your home.

Ice dams form when the warmth of your roof causes snow to melt, refreeze, and forms a large block of ice at the edge of your roof. This cycle continues until the ice dam melts away in warmer weather - but we wouldn’t recommend waiting for that. Ice dams can cause major damage to your home when they aren’t prevented or removed. 

How Ice Dams Cause Damage To Your Home

• Roof Damage - The weight of a mass of ice on your roof can be enough to cause it to slag or slope over time. This may be especially true if your home experiences ice dams every winter. 

• Roof Leaks - As snow melts, it makes its way between the shingles of your roof and then refreezes and expands. This causes the shingles to lift and loosen. This exposes the roof felt of your home and allows water to freely flow into the interior of the roof and into the attic. 

• Ceiling Water Damage - As roof leaks become worse over time from your ice dams, water will eventually make its way through the floor of your attic and through the ceiling of your living space. This may be gradual, with you only noticing when the water leak has begun to produce water stains or spots on ceilings. 

• Bubbling or Peeling Paint - Water seeping down through the walls from the attic can cause paint to bubble or peel. This is usually a major indication of a water leak somewhere in your home. 

• Buckling Ceilings or Floors - As water penetrates your home, it may compromise its structural integrity. When moisture reaches the subfloors in your home, it causes them to buckle, sag, or sink as the water causes the building materials to soften. 

• Warped Walls - When drywall or sheetrock absorbs moisture from a water leak, walls may begin to visible bend or buckle. When pressing on the affected walls, they may feel soft, spongey, or bendy. 

• Mold Growth - Excessive moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for mold in your home. Constant or unaddressed leaks from ice dams provide the environment mold needs to grow. 

How Do You Get Rid of Ice Dams?

There are many DIY recommendations for removing ice dams across the web - but we wouldn’t recommend most of them. Many of these tactics can damage your roof even further or are not safe to do yourself (such as getting up on an icy roof and picking the ice off). So what should you do?

Look for a professional for proper ice dam removal.

When you use a company that specializes in removing ice dams, you can expect them to get the job done without doing any damage to your roof or even getting on it. Most of these companies use steam machines that are high temperature and low pressure to melt ice off your roof without impact. This will help save your shingles and ensure no roof leaks. 

What Happens If Your Neighbor’s Tree Falls On Your House?

9/30/2020 (Permalink)

Fallen trees can cause a headache - from figuring out who's responsible for the damages to repairing your home.

If you’re ever in the unfortunate situation of having your neighbor’s tree fall on your house, you may not be sure who is responsible to cover the damages. Who files an insurance claim? Who would pay? Here, we will run through the different scenarios of what happens if a tree falls on your house or your neighbor’s.

Who Covers the Damages From A Fallen Tree?

Scenario 1: Neighbor's tree (or your own) falls on your house

When a tree falls on your home, regardless of where it came from, you are responsible for filing an insurance claim or paying for any tree removal. The only thing that matters when dealing with the damage from a fallen tree is where it fell and why. 

Scenario 2: Your tree falls on your neighbor's house

If a tree on your property falls on to your neighbors home, you can consider yourself 'lucky' because it will be up to your neighbor's homeowner insurance to cover the damages, just as if their tree came down on to your home. 

Scenario 3: A neighbor's tree damages your house, but you suspect it was because it was old, damaged, or weak.

In these cases, insurance does not want to cover any damages or tree removal because there was a form of negligence or a maintenance related issue. If you feel like your neighbor has a tree that could damage your home, take steps to try and get them to remove the tree and document it. Then, if the dying tree does fall on your home, you can try and argue to have it covered by insurance due to your neighbors negligence.

Fallen trees are commonly only covered when caused by a 'named peril', such as high winds, lightning, vandalism, or a car crash.

Common Questions:

What if the tree doesn't damage your home?

According to Allstate, if a tree falls on your house and causes no damages, insurance will not cover the cost of removing the tree (and in these cases it may not be worth it to file the claim anyways depending on your deductible).

What does tree removal cost without insurance?

The cost of tree removal is on average $500-$1,200, making it less than many homeowner's deductibles. If the tree that fell (and didn't damage your home) was your neighbors, you can always try and seek reimbursement afterwards, though this may put a strain your neighborly relationship.

How much do fallen tree insurance claims usually cost?

According to Consumer Reports, the average amount paid by insurance companies for fallen tree claims was $4,110, and was only 7 percent of all settled claims.

What if a neighbor's tree just falls in my yard, not even on my house?

As mentioned earlier, when a tree falls and causes no damages it will not be covered by your homeowner's policy. You will be responsible for all debris cleanup and removal yourself.

Need Help With Fallen Tree Damage & Cleanup? Call SERVPRO - 860-443-2222

COVID-19 Defensive Cleaning & Sanitizing Services

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned - A Defensive Cleaning Program

Let us help you get back to business.

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a FREE Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of New London today at 860-443-2222 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

New London Cleaning Experts

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals are ready to help 24/7!

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning - 800-734-3213

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the specialists at SERVPRO of New London!

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Flooded Basement Cleanup: Steps and Tips

2/27/2020 (Permalink)

All the water in this basement was removed by SERVPRO in less than three hours!

Basement flooding is a nightmare for any homeowner. Water in your basement can damage carpets, couches, family heirlooms, appliances and more, leaving anyone overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. But don’t worry - we’ll cover everything you need to know about your flooded basement cleanup here! 

What To Do When Your Basement Floods

• Don’t enter a flooded basement or crawlspace. You should put safety first and make sure that it is okay to enter. If there is standing water throughout the basement, you should turn off the electricity and gas. If your circuit breaker is in the basement or you’re not sure how to turn it off, call an electrician.

• Find protective gear to wear if you enter your basement. Find rain boots or gloves if you’ll be touching anything. This is important because depending on the source, flood water can be dirty or contaminated, making you sick. If the water is high enough, you may also want to consider wearing chest waders. But if your basement has this much water in it, we wouldn’t recommend handling the cleanup or entering yourself. Rather, call a professional flooded basement cleanup company like SERVPRO of New London who have the resources and knowledge to handle the situation safely. 

• Find the source of flooding. Once you find the source of the water, you’ll have a better idea on what to do next. If the flooding is due to heavy rains, wait until the storm passes and water stops entering your home. If the water is from a source like a burst pipe, sewer backup, broken water heater or furnace, or any other faulty appliance, turn off your water immediately to prevent further flooding. 

• Have a sump pump or basement floor drain? Try and check them out. Both of these things can help drain standing water in your basement if they’re working. If they’re not, they may be contributing to your flooding problem. Double check if they’re clogged or broken and do your best to get them to work. 

• Start the water removal process. For puddles or flooding in a small area of your basement, you can use a wet dry vacuum, towels, or even a mop and bucket. If the entire basement is flooding with more than a few inches of standing water, you should call a professional flood removal company instead. SERVPRO of New London specializes in flood extraction and removal. Our advanced equipment can rapidly extract all water from your basement - and time is an important factor in preventing mold and mildew growth during flooding.

• Begin drying EVERYTHING out as best as you can. Remove all wet and water damaged items so that they can dry out faster. Set up fans and dehumidifiers in your basement to dry out and remove as much moisture as possible. If there was a lot of standing water, especially for an extended amount of time, your household fans and dehumidifiers may not work. If you need help drying out a flooded basement, SERVPRO of New London can help. We use moisture meters to detect and measure moisture and use advanced drying equipment to ensure no moisture is left behind. 

• Clean and sanitize everything. Wipe down basement walls and floors. The flood water may leave behind dirt, gunk, or worse depending on the source. This step will also help prevent any unwanted odors, mold, or mildew. 

• Take steps to prevent future basement flooding. You don’t want to end up with inches of standing water in your basement again! But if your basement is naturally prone to being wet or minor flooding, you should take steps to raise all appliances on to blocks so that they are not affected by water. 

What Causes Basement Flooding?

There’s many different reasons for flooded or wet basements, but here’s a few:

1. Insufficient drainage around basement walls
2. Heavy rains
3. Failing sump pump
4. Clogged or backed-up floor drains
5. Groundwater coming through cracks in the foundation
6. Burst pipes 
7. Appliances with broken water lines

There are solutions to many of these problems, such as fixing broken pipes or appliances, changing where water runs off from your home, or waterproofing your basement. 

Should I Call A Professional To Help With Flooded Basement Cleanup? 

A professional flooded basement cleanup company may not always be needed to remove water and dry out a basement. But, if the entire basement is flooded with a few inches of water, we would strongly recommend calling in professionals. SERVPRO of New London specializes in water damage restoration, and we have all the knowledge and resources needed to rapidly extract water, dry, and sanitize your basement.

A fast response and work time is extremely important when it comes to flooding and water damage, as mold and mildew can grow and spread around a home in as little as 48 hours after flooding. Calling professionals will help prevent mold growth, unwanted odors, and structural decay down the line! 

SERVPRO of New London provides all customers:

• 24/7/365 Rapid emergency service
• Free evaluations
• Free estimates
• Direct insurance billing & guidance through the insurance process.

Have Questions or Need Help? Call SERVPRO of New London Today! 800-734-3213

Burst Pipe Cleanup Guide For New London Homeowners

2/7/2020 (Permalink)

2 pipes burst in this attic, causing water to flood all the way to the basement. Ceilings, floors, and carpets were affected.

Coming home to a burst pipe is a disaster that no homeowner wants to deal with. How do you remove standing water? How do you dry up wet areas? Will the damages be covered by insurance? What should you do first? We can answer all your questions here.

What To Do When You Have a Pipe Burst:

1. Turn off the main water supply. It may seem obvious, but this will prevent your home from sustaining any more damage. If there’s electrical appliances near standing water, also shut off your power. Safety first!
2. Call your plumber. You’ll need to fix the broken pipe.
3. Move any wet furniture, carpets, and other belongings. You don’t want them to sit in standing water. If needed, SERVPRO of New London provides contents restoration to dirty or water damaged belongings.
4. Start to remove standing water as fast as possible. Grab towels, mops, or buckets to try and absorb water. If there’s a significant amount of standing water, you may need to consider buying a wet-dry shop vac to extract all water, or even call a professional water damage company to remove water for you.
5. Begin to dry out the damaged areas. Bring fans in the rooms affected and turn them on high. Set up dehumidifiers in the dampest areas to remove as much moisture as possible. If there was a considerable amount of water or it was wet for an extended amount of time, household fans and dehumidifiers may not be able to completely dry out the room.
6. If water has absorbed into the subfloor, drywall, carpets, it may be best to contact a professional water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of New London. Restoration companies use professional grade drying equipment and use moisture meters to detect moisture in areas that may seem dry at first glance. These tools ensure that your home has been properly and completely dried to prevent mold growth and structural deterioration.
7. If needed, restore and rebuild the water damaged area. You may need to install new floors, fix drywall, repaint, or sanitize affected areas.

Why Is It Important To Properly Dry Water Damaged Areas?

If you don’t correctly mitigate water damage, multiple problems may result. Check out our water damage timeline for more detailed information.

• Paint can bubble and blister.
• Wood flooring can swell, warp, or come up.
• Mold and mildew can grow and spread around your home in as little as 48 hours if moisture is not addressed.
• If water damage is left unmitigated and stays wet, it can cause serious structural safety issues in your home as well as drive up restoration and reconstruction costs.

Will Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Burst Pipes?

Luckily, burst pipes are usually covered by insurance as they’re a sudden and unforeseen loss!

You will have to show the damage in your home came from the burst pipe and that you weren’t responsible for the pipe bursting in the first place.

You may be thinking, “But, how could I be responsible for a burst pipe in my home?” If you neglected to repair clearly old or corroded pipes or did not turn heat on during the winter which froze the pipe and caused it to burst, you may be seen as responsible for the burst pipe. This is because there were steps that could have been taken to prevent the pipe from bursting.

If you’re unsure about your insurance coverage, SERVPRO of New London can help guide you through the insurance process. One of our first responders can come onsite, inspect damages, review your policy, and tell you whether or not it should be covered and the best way to file your claim to ensure it is not denied.

Have Questions or Need Help? Call SERVPRO of New London 800-734-3213

We are highly trained water removal and cleanup specialists and are ready to service your New London area home when flooding or water leaks cause water damage.

SERVPRO of New London provides:

• 24/7/365 Rapid emergency service
• Free Inspections
• Free estimates
• Direct insurance billing & guidance through insurance process.

Don’t Wait For Water Damage To Get Worse. Call 800-734-3213 to speak with our on-call technicians now!

Commercial Floor Cleaning in New London

1/30/2020 (Permalink)

Satisfying! The floor in this before and after is almost unrecognizable.

Let's be real. Offices and businesses don't have time to deep clean every inch of their buildings all the time. And sometimes that means that dirt, grime, and dust can build up under cabinets or rugs, in air vents, ceiling beams, and ceiling tiles. When you need a cleaning that goes further than the abilities of your regular janitorial staff or cleaners, SERVPRO of New London can help.

Our Residential and Commercial Cleaning Services Include:

• Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
• Drapes and Blinds
• Air Duct & HVAC Cleaning
• Odor Removal
• Sewage & Biohazard Cleanup
• Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup
• Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
• Vandalism Cleanup

Happy Customers:

A local business called us in to clean the grime off of laminate floors in a large room, which was also covered in a film of aerosol spray from a contractor. To be able to clean the dirt from the floor, we first had to get through the residue covering the entire floor! But, as you can see in the photo, our crews had no trouble completely cleaning the floor of all residues beyond the owner's expectations. They'll be sure to call us again for any commercial cleaning needs!

We have the expertise and resources to make any dirt, dust, graffiti or grime "Like it never even happened." Call for a free estimate today!

What Are The Causes of Water Damage?

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

Take these tips to lessen the chance of water damage in your home.

What are the causes of water damage? 

Water damage comes in many shapes and sizes; some that are easy to identify and others that are not. Knowing the common causes of water damage can help prevent damage to your home. The earlier you can identify water damage, the less work will have to be done by a water damage restoration company to restore your home. 

Causes of Water Damage Include:

Leaking or Burst Pipes

Leaking or burst pipes are common causes of water damage. These issues can come from changes in water pressure, temperature changes, or the deterioration of old pipes. In the winter, uninsulated pipes can also freeze and burst.

Plumbing Issues

These kind of water damage issues can be hard to detect until there is clear water damage on your walls or ceilings since pipes and hoses are usually hidden within walls. Keep an eye out on your water bill and periodically check for leaks under sinks, toilets, and around showers to find possible plumbing issues that can cause water damage.

Old or Worn Household Appliances

Did you know the average washing machine supply hose fails after just 8.7 years, and 75% of water heaters fail within 12 years? The hoses on these appliances should be changed when you can see any sort of wear to prevent them cracking and leaking everywhere in your home. Look out for all of your other appliances which have water hookups as well, like refrigerators with ice makers.

HVAC Units

HVAC units are also a common cause of water damage. When not maintained, moisture can build up creating not only water damage, but space for mold and mildew to grow and spread around your home. 

Sewage Backups

Clogs in drain lines or heavy rains can cause sewage to backup into your home through floor drains, toilets, and sinks. This type of water damage should absolutely be handled by water damage specialists to correctly decontaminate, sanitize, and restore rooms affected by sewage water.

Now that you know several major causes of water damage in home and businesses, you can prevent unmitigated damages to your home. But, if disaster strikes, call SERVPRO of New London with any water damage issues.

We’re open 24/7 and waiting for your call. 800-734-3213

Fire Damage Restoration Process in New London

1/9/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of New London with any fire damage restoration needs.

A fire event can be devastating for a home or business. Even after the flames are out, you may be overwhelmed by the damages. The fire may have compromised the structure of your building, soot and smoke damage can cover your walls and furniture, and you may even face water damage from the fire-fighting efforts. 

So, where do you start once the flames are out? Well, the answer isn't always straightforward as every fire damage event is a little different and requires a unique solution. But, the general process remains the same. The steps below outline our process for the 'typical' fire damage emergency. 

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Call SERVPRO of New London to restore your property back to pre-fire condition. We're open 24/7, 365 days a year to respond to your call. 

800-734-3213

SERVPRO of New London's First Annual Coat Drive

1/7/2020 (Permalink)

In all, we were able to donate 13 boxes of coats to local shelters!

This year, SERVPRO of New London started its first annual coat drive for homeless shelters in our area!

On our very first year, we exceeded our monetary goal of $500 and we were able to collect over 80 coats. All together, using the monetary donations and the physical donations, we were able to donate 120 coats to local shelters in the Meriden and New Haven, Connecticut area! Donations ranged from children's coats to both men and women's jackets. 

The contributions we received this year were absolutely amazing. Thank you to all of our generous donors for contributing to our first annual coat drive!'

If you missed out on donating - no worries! We will be sure to get the word out for our second annual coat drive next year. And remember - you can always call your local shelters to see if they will take your own personal donations! 

Preparing Your New London Business for Winter Storm Damage

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

Use some of our tips to ensure your business quickly re-opens after any winter storm damage!

When winter weather hits, it can lead to property damage, employee injury, and possible business closures. Preparing your business before the storm is the best way to protect your property and minimize any storm damages. 

If you take these steps, your business will be able to more quickly recover from a storm damage loss. 

Steps To Take Before A Winter Storm:

1. Establish shelter locations on your property. If a winter storm suddenly hits, you need a space with enough room for all employees and any customers that may be in your business.
2. Stock shelter with emergency supplies. Flashlights, batteries, fire aid, food, blankets - you know the drill!
3. Determine any essential equipment or processes that rely on electrical power. Organize an emergency power source for these items.
4. Determine a back-up heating source if power goes out. Use heating sources in well-ventilated rooms to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. 
5. Install smoke and CO2 detectors. Test them monthly and replace batteries twice a year.
6. Maintain an inventory of all equipment and assets for your business in case of a loss. Insurance will need this information!

If you find yourself facing storm or water damage after a winter storm, call SERVPRO of New London! 

We are open 24/7, 365 days a year. We work with your insurance (so you don't have to!) and provide all customers with free estimates.

Call Today! 800-734-3213

Source: prep4agthreats.org

Winter Storm Readiness in New London

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

Stay safe and prepared in New London this winter from storm damage.

Winter storms can cause just as much damage to your home as a summer storm. Snow storms can bring freezing temperatures, feet of snow and ice, and high winds. Power can go out and roads may become hazardous. Preparing for a storm is the best way to keep your family and home safe!

Winter Storm Preparations

• Weatherproof / Winterize your home.
  • Add extra insulation in your attic, insulate doors & windows, and insulate any water lines along exterior walls so they are less likely to freeze. 
  • This also helps prevent ice dams!
• Keep as much heat as possible in your home during a storm.
  • Avoid unnecessary opening of doors or windows, close off unneeded rooms, and close curtains on windows at night.
  • You don't want your pipes to freeze and burst!
• Organize a back-up heating source if the power goes out.
  • Gas or log fireplaces, portable heaters.
• Make sure you have flashlights and batteries handy. You never know when the power may go out - and flashlights are safer than candles!
• Leave all water taps slightly on so they drip continuously.
  • This helps prevent frozen pipes or burst pipes.

Call SERVPRO of New London if your home sustains any storm damage this winter. We are available 24/7 for emergency services, and work with your insurance company!

800-734-3213

Source: prep4agthreats.org

What Is A Puff Back? How Can It Damage Your Home?

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

Puff backs can make soot come through your vents and into your New London home.

A puff back is a misfire in your furnace.

The issue is that a puff back can send soot throughout your home through your vents. If you wake up one morning and find soot coming out of your vents and covering your curtains, walls, and furniture – it’s likely that you’re experiencing the consequences of a furnace puff back.

Puff backs can also occur over time without you immediately noticing.

Every time your furnace ignites and misfires, it can send a small amount of soot through your vents which may slowly accumulate in your vents and around your home.

Puff backs can damage your home because:

1) The furnace is misfiring, and needs to be serviced

2) Your home may become covered in soot – and you are breathing it in as well!

If you experience a puff back this winter, call SERVPRO of New London to clean your home of all soot.

We are open 24/7 for emergency service!

Prevent Christmas Tree Fire Damage in Your New London Home

12/19/2019 (Permalink)

Stay safe from fire damage this holiday season with our Christmas tree safety tips!

It’s fun to decorate your home for the holidays, but holiday decorations like Christmas trees and lights can increase your risk for a home fire.

Did you know:

• More than one of every four home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems.
• A heat source to close to a Christmas tree causes one in every four of holiday fires.
• Nearly half of all holiday decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source.

To prevent fire damage in your home this holiday season, SERVPRO of New London recommends following these fire safety tips.

1. If buying a real tree, choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. This will lower the risk of fire due to a dry tree.
2. Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source: fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, or lights.
3. Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit. This is a fire hazard.
4. Add water to the tree stand and be sure to add water daily. A dry, dying tree increases risk of fire.
5. Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

SERVPRO of New London hopes that you will follow these holiday fire safety tips to stay safe this season and prevent fire damage to your home!

Source: nfpa.org

Why Should I Use SERVPRO of New London?

12/17/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of New London for any Fire, Water or Mold Damage Needs!

Why SERVPRO of New London? 

1. Each franchise is an individually owned and operated company.
2. We have advanced expertise in numerous areas of mitigation and restoration services.
3. Our technicians are highly trained, and attend continuing education classes to ensure they are up to date in the industry.
4. We work directly with most insurance companies, and will guide you through the insurance process.
5. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
6. Technicians at SERVPRO of New London will document every step of this process so you are confident that your home or office is in the right hands. 

What does SERVPRO do?

SERVPRO provides:

• Residential & Commercial cleanup of:
  • Water & flood damage
  • Fire damage
  • Storm damage
• Mold remediation
• Restoration services

SERVPRO of New London also performs these specialty cleaning services:

• Biohazard Cleanup
• Sewage Cleanup
• Drapes and Blinds Cleanings
• Odor Removal
• Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup
• Vandalism and Graffiti
• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Ceilings, Floors, and Walls
• Carpet and Upholstery

Call SERVPRO of New London for any and all Remediation and Restoration needs. 

Ice Dam Removal in New London, CT

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

This graphic shows how Ice Dams create water damage in your home.

What is an Ice Dam?

An Ice Dam forms when melted snow refreezes at roof edges and can form with even as little as 1 or 2 inches of snow.

Three things are needed for an ice dam to form:

1. Snow
2. Heat to melt the snow
3. Cold to refreeze melted snow into solid ice.

How Can Ice Dams Damage Your Home?

Ice Dams dislodge the shingles of your roof, and let water into your home. The under-layer of the ice dam continuously melts and re-freezes due to the warmth of your roof, resulting in water entering your home.

This leads to:

• Trapped moisture in ceilings, walls, and insulation
• Water-stained ceilings
• Peeling paint
• Mold and mildew  growth
• Ruining gutters and making them sag.

Ice dam damages can create numerous other consequences, Altogether, the water damage from ice dams can affect the structure of your home.

What Should You Do?

To completely remove an ice dam without damaging your roof, it is likely best to call specialists like SERVPRO® of New London. We have specialized equipment to safely and easily remove ice dams.

It is also wise to address why the ice dam formed in the first place after removing it, so that it does not happen again. This may include better insulating your attic and roof, so that the warmth of your home doesn’t create conditions for an ice dam to form.

We’re available 24/7 for emergency service. Call us today.

Source: UMASS Amherst

Winter is Coming for New London!

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

For New London residents, winter is rapidly approaching. Once fall begins, the temperatures continue to drop very quickly. Drops in temperature bring all sorts of issues – especially for commercial property owners. Cold weather means burst pipes, snow melt related leaks, smoke or soot damage from puff-backs, and a number of other issues. Luckily, if you know to call SERVPRO of New London you don’t have to worry about these problems.

SERVPRO New London can be your commercial winter disaster go-to! We can help restore your property from any water, fire, mold, or sewage related disaster – and more! When the harsh New London winters bring commercial property damage, know who to call! SERVPRO of New London will be there for you, 24/7 – 365 days a year!

Prevent Electrical Fires - 10 Tips!

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

Gadgets mean appliances like this toaster

First. if you are in doubt, call an electrician.

1) Have an electrician check the breaker panel or fuse box and fix any damaged parts.

2) Have an electrician scrutinize the wiring.
Any old wiring should be replaced.

3) Be on the lookout for broken plugs or switches.

4) Don't overburden circuits.
Limit the number of gadget you use and plug them into the right outlet.

5) Don't “abuse” connections. To many overloaded plugs are dangerous.

6) Unplug gadgets when you're not using them.

7) Use superior electrical merchandise when changing out wires or other items.

8) Do not use gadgets that are damaged.

9) Make sure to put in smoke and carbon dioxide alarms where mandatory.

10) Don't plug a lot of gadgets into 1 extension cord. Only quality authorized extension cords that are made to handle the electrical loa should be used.

Let your local experts handle this. We can be contacted at 1-800-374-3213

5 proven smoke odor removal methods

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

Molecules are the answer

Scrub the air the HEPA way
Our smoke and fire damage restoration experts use a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestor) to "scrub" the air. We use HEPA equipment from the first moment to the last stage of the restoration process. They're really effective and remove 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and larger in size. These airborne particles create smells and need to be removed.

Thermic fogging
When you "fog" using a special deodorizer released through fogging. The benefit of thermal fogging is it permeates all of the areas. It pushes into areas behind floors and walls. Thermal fogging is the discipline of aroma alteration to countercheck smells for lasting odor removal.

Vapor modification
Vapor Modification uses a fragrant material gasified from a closed container. The material is distributed in the air using a fan or blower.

Ozone
This popular process removes smoke and odor molecules from the air, even hard-to-neutralize molecules of smoke from cooking fires. Ozone is a potent oxidizer.

Hydroxyl
The hydroxyl radical was 1st discovered by scientists in 1963. It’s called a “detergent” of the troposphere. Hydroxyl reacts with numerous pollutants and assists in demolishing them.

Let your local experts handle this. We can be contacted at 1-800-374-3213

SERVPRO New London - The CEO

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

Mario Luciani, CEO

You have a residential or commercial property disaster, now what? Making a decision on what restoration company to use is often the next step. Rather than using valuable time to compare your options, go with the easy choice. SERVPRO of New London is the restoration company you can, and should, trust! Why? Because of our CEO!

Mario Luciani, CEO, has been in the restoration industry for over 13 years. He’s worked hard to ensure his team is made up of only the most knowledgeable, dedicated, and ambitious professionals. When asked what he thinks is most important in running a business, Mario answered, “For me, helping my customers in their time of need is most important. I believe that my team goes above and beyond to ensure the customer is always taken care of. Dedication and respect for our customers is so important in this business.”

We believe in the power of leadership and Mario Luciani is the leader you can trust with your restoration needs: call his team at SERVPRO of New London today!

Removing the smell of smoke in 3 steps

10/19/2019 (Permalink)

Get rid of the smoke smell

Three steps to fresh air

1. Remove the origin of the smell
First, remove the source of the smell. Remove all burnt units like drywall, furniture, cabinets, and contents that you cant salvage. Also do a deep, elaborate cleaning of all the items salvaged and materials. It's important to use the proper cleaning materials.

2. Clean any air ducting
Clean the ducting in the entire residence or business. Smoke, dust, and soot carry the smells and the sensory memory of the fire because the particulate matter remains inside the ducting system. Cleaning the heating, ventilation and airconditioning system at the beginning of the restoration procedure keeps re-contamination of the cleansed areas.

3. You need to remove the airborne smell
The VOC’s and PIC’s that create the odor stay in the air, so it's important to remove them from the air in order to remove the smoke smell.

We use an assortment of special methods to complete the smoke odor removal. The goal? — The absolute removal of the offending smoke smell.

Let your local experts (IICRC trained professionals) handle this. We can be contacted at 1-800-374-3213

A Mellow Hurricane Season in New London

10/16/2019 (Permalink)

Hurricane season began on June 1^st, but luckily for the New London community, we’ve barely seen any signs of storms so far this year. Last year’s storm season was much more active than normal but it looks like this year we’ve had the opposite experience. Weather experts note that the storms are lessened this year due to the impact of El Nino. El Nino creates higher than normal winds in the Atlantic which helps to reduce storm development over the ocean waters.

If storm season does pick up, know that SERVPRO of New London is here for the New London community. We mitigate damages and restore commercial and residential properties from storm related events. If you need restoration after a storm, give SERVPRO of New London a call.

We'll Handle The Dirty Work!

10/16/2019 (Permalink)

Recently, a customer of ours dealt with a huge sewage backup. They had sewage throughout their entire bathroom, a bedroom, and two hallways. We got our team from SERVPRO New London in to their home to mitigate the damage right away. We cleaned up the area, removed all contaminated items, and were able to sanitize and spray antimicrobial. On day 2, while we had equipment running to dehumidify the air and dry affected areas, the customer had ANOTHER sewage backup! Luckily, we we’re able to arrive onsite quickly and perform Emergency Mitigation Services right away.

This customer was smart and chose to use SERVPRO of New London to help them with their sewage disaster. We are working hard to bring their home back to normal. If you ever face a similar sewage disaster, call SERVPRO of New London to do the dirty work for you!

Need Insurance Claim Help?

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

If you have water damage in your home, its hard enough to deal with. You have plenty to worry about – trying to get in touch with your insurance company, filing a claim, and following up can be an added stressor during an already difficult time. If you’re smart – you can choose a restoration company, like SERVPRO of New London, that can take this stress away! Our team has extensive experience dealing with the insurance industry so we’re able to walk you through the ENTIRE claims process – no extra charge, it’s just what we do!

So, when you need a restoration company, call SERVPRO of New London to take the stress of dealing with your insurance company out of the picture. Available 24/7, 365 days a year – call now!

PHCC Continuing Education

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of New London's Training Room

On October 2, Sean Spatafora, a member of SERVPRO of New London’s marketing team, ran a PHCC Continuing Education Class for local plumbers.  We hosted the class right in our brand new, state of the art, training room located in our East Haven office. The class was a great success and was attended by over 15 local tradesmen.

As a trademark, Sean is known for visiting his customers and making them breakfast sandwiches in the morning. For this class, Sean did the same! All attendees enjoyed donuts, muffins, fresh fruit, coffee, juice, and homemade bacon egg and cheeses in the morning. In the afternoon, a local restaurant brought in sandwiches and wraps for the guys!

Do you ever have a need for a meeting space? We love to host insurance agents, property managers, plumbers, and many other groups for continuing education classes and seminars! Choose SERVPRO of New London for your next Continuing Education Class!

Commercial Fire Damage

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

Have you ever faced fire damage at your New London commercial property? We hope you haven’t! BUT, if you have had to deal with commercial fire damage at some point, you know how catastrophic it can be. Fire fighting efforts often lead to additional water damage on top of the already disastrous fire damage. Then, water damage, if not handled correctly, can lead to dangerous mold growth. See how quickly fire damage can spiral into a much larger issue?

If you’re smart, you’ll know to call SERVPRO of New London when facing commercial property damage. We can properly restore your property back to its original state after dealing with fire and water damage. We’ll also make sure things are done right and ensure no mold growth will begin. Your commercial property is important, don’t let fire, flood, or mold damage destroy it. Call SERVPRO of New London today.

Storm Damage? Get a free estimate

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

Free Damage inspection, a detailed damage report.

When it comes to storm damage, there are several types of damage for each area of your home. It is recommended that you act quickly and have a SERVPRO New London experienced Storm Damage Specialist begin remediation services immediately. SERVPRO of New London will perform a full home damage inspection to include moisture readings onsite. Many times, a homeowner is not aware of the affected areas, especially roof damage.

You will learn a great deal about your home's condition, repair options, and even how we work with your insurance company to provide the highest quality of repairs by professional contractors and installers.

Contact SERVPRO of  New London today to schedule and learn more about our Professional Storm Damage Cleaning, Drying and Remodeling!

Remembering Hurricane Sandy in New London, CT

10/13/2019 (Permalink)

Osprey Beach Bathhouse Remains in New London, CT

Though it seems like just yesterday, the 7^th anniversary of Hurricane Sandy falls at the end of this October. Like our team at SERVPRO of New London, many New London residents clearly remember the catastrophic effects of the storm on the coastline.

At Osprey Beach, a bathhouse was swept away by high storm winds. Debris and trees were scattered about the New London shoreline. Mott Avenue was completely covered in a layer of mud. These were just a few examples of the havoc that Hurricane Sandy wreaked on the New London coast.

So far, we’ve had a mellow hurricane season for 2019. Though we’ve had no major storms this year, as we remember Hurricane Sandy, we also think of the possibility of another catastrophic storm hitting. Remember, if a hurricane hits, SERVPRO of New London will be standing by for the community, ready to help out.

Source: https://patch.com/connecticut/newlondon/hurricane-sandy-leaves-new-london-shore-pummeled

We Do Everything: A Cheat Sheet

10/12/2019 (Permalink)

If you have to choose a restoration company, it’s best to choose one that deals with ALL sorts of issues. If you have water damage, you also want a company that can handle mold damage, or document restoration. Damage possibilities are endless so you need a company that can help with everything! SERVPRO of New London is that restoration company. Here’s a helpful list of services we provide so when you’re choosing a company, you can make the easy decision.

• Fire, Smoke, and Soot Cleaning and Restoration
• Water Removal and Dehumidification
• Sewage Removal, Cleaning, and Restoration
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation
• Catastrophic Storm Response
• Move Outs and Content Restoration
• Electronics and Equipment Cleaning and Restoration
• Document Drying and Restoration
• Contents Claim Inventory Service
• Full Service Cleaning
• Insured and Licensed Full Contracting Services

Climate Change in New London, CT

10/12/2019 (Permalink)

The impacts of climate change in Connecticut

We all hear about climate change on the news and think it’s a distant fear – unfortunately, this is wrong. Climate change is happening now, and it’s happening here in New London, CT.

Connecticut is warming. Water temperatures and the overall climate of the Long Island Sound have been recorded warmer and warmer with each year. According to NBC CT, “research is showing that water temperatures closest to the northeast coast are warming faster than 99 percent of global oceans.” This is no small deal.  

Warming water and climate bring an increased risk of storms and flooding. NBC CT notes that by 2050, floods that happen “once in a lifetime” will be happening 4 times more frequently.

At SERVPRO of New London, we urge you to be conscious of your environmental footprint. While we may be here to clean up after storm disasters, we hate to see the damage occur. Take care of our New London community, there are a number of very simple things you can do to help reduce your footprint.

• Walk or bike rather than drive
• Take shorter showers
• Stop using single-use plastics (bags, straws, plastic-ware)
• Eat less meat
• Help out – pick up some litter

SERVPRO of New London will be there for you when a flood or storm hits, but let’s try and put an end to needless climate disasters – reduce your environmental footprint today!

Source: https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/An-Introduction-to-Climate-Change-in-Connecticut-509546581.html

Water Damage Dangers In Residential Homes

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

A water damage nightmare

Water damage dangers in residential homes can be more insidious and widespread than you might realize. While waterlogged carpeting, belongings, and furniture may be the obvious signs of water damage, there are other ways that water can cause lasting damage to your home and your health if the damage isn’t controlled quickly and thoroughly.

Not surprisingly, the first kind of water-related danger than pops into most people’s minds is mold and mildew. In fact, this is the primary cause for concern when water damage occurs as mold can cause serious health issues, particularly for those with respiratory ailments like asthma.

Mold only needs about 24 hours to grow so it can begin to appear and spread very quickly. Therefore, the sooner you can get the water damaged area cleaned out and completely dried, the better off you’ll be.

Mold isn’t the only water damage danger in residential homes, however. Depending on the source of the water, there can be a host of other nasty contaminants that may seep into your home with it.

Bacteria, germs, and parasites may all be present when there is a sewer backup or a major storm-related flood. For this reason, you should always wear protective clothing when doing the cleanup after these kinds of emergencies or hidden dangers like this.

New London Commercial Fire Damage

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be very devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to fire, smoke, and soot damage, water damage caused by firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Every hour spent restoring your business back to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity.

If you have fire OR water damage, you can trust our team at SERVPRO of New London to restore your property back to normal. We will respond quickly and manage the fire restoration project through to its completion—getting your property business-ready.

We are available throughout Connecticut 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage with an emphasis on commercial services.

Do you have commercial fire damage? Call us today!

Trust SERVPRO of New London.

One Stop Shop for Commercial Cleaning New London

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of New London, we understand how important it is that your construction site is clean when it is presented to your client. Luckily, we specialize in commercial cleaning and can ensure that your construction site looks beautiful for its debut. Our team will consult with you to gain an understanding of the exact site specifications. After providing you with a free quote, we will send our team out to professionally clean your commercial property per your requests.

Specialty Cleaning Services

SERVPRO of New London offers cleaning services ranging from restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business. Our cleaning services include the following:

• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Biohazard and Sewage
• Trauma and Crime Scene
• Carpet and Upholstery
• Drapes and Blinds
• Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
• Odor Removal and Deodorization
• Vandalism

A Timeline of Fire/Smoke Damage

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

Professional restoration technicians know that damage increases and restoration costs escalate when the fire restoration process is delayed. When homeowners prolong the restoration of their home, they extend the effects brought on by the smoke exposure. Think it can wait? Check out the timeline of the effects of fire and smoke damage on a property:

Within Minutes: Acid soot residues cause plastics to yellow; small appliances located close to the source of combustion discolor; highly porous materials (marble, alabaster) discolor permanently.

Within Hours: Acid residues stain grout in bathrooms; fiberglass bath fixtures may yellow; uncoated metals tarnish, counter tops may yellow; finishes on appliances, particularly refrigerators, may yellow; furniture finishes may discolor.

Within Days: In time, acid residues cause painted walls to yellow permanently; metal corrodes, pits and rusts; wood furniture requires refinishing; vinyl flooring requires refinishing or replace­ment; clothing becomes soot stained; upholstery stains permanently.

Within Weeks: Restoration costs escalate tremendously. Synthetic carpet fibers may yellow or discolor permanently; silver plate is corroded permanently; glass, crystal, china may require replacement due to severe etching and pitting caused by prolonged exposure to acid soot residues.

Trust SERVPRO of New London with your fire restoration needs.

Facing a Commercial Mold Issue in New London?

10/5/2019 (Permalink)

What do you do when you have a commercial mold problem? Besides causing a total business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for anyone exposed to it at your commercial property. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. BUT, they can cause major issues. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold problem, call SERVPRO of New London. Our team will arrive quickly, give you a free quote, and expertly remediate your commercial mold damage.

We are available throughout Connecticut 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to get your business back up and running. Call SERVPRO of New London for all your commercial mold needs.

New London Commercial Property Cleaning Services

10/5/2019 (Permalink)

Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, trust SERVPRO of New London to professionally clean your commercial property. Whether you have an odor problem, need deep cleaning for your flooring or carpets, or your air ducts need some attention, you can depend on SERVPRO of New London, CT to get the job done right the first time. Our team is the fastest and most qualified restoration company for all of your commercial cleaning needs.

We’re available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to service your commercial property. We can handle any size commercial job – nothing is too large! If you have any need for commercial cleaning, give us a call for a free quote today. SERVPRO of New London is here for you!

Water Damage From Basement Floods in Residential Homes

10/4/2019 (Permalink)

Don't let this happen to you

Even when flooding occurs as the result of a storm, there may be contaminants in the water, including any number of hazardous chemicals, so you want to proceed carefully and wear protective clothing, including a mask, during cleanup.

Naturally, the primary concern in terms of water damage regardless of source is the growth of mold and mildew, which can happen very quickly, so the sooner you can get the basement thoroughly drained and dried the better off you’ll be.

One of the more common causes of basement flooding is groundwater seepage. In this case, rather than water pouring into the basement, it is forced up through cracks in the foundation as the ground outside becomes overly saturated.

In this case, water damage from basement floods in residential homes can be centered particularly on the floor and foundation, which can lead to structural issues.

No matter what the cause, dealing with a basement flood is never a pleasant prospect. Since many people use their basement for storage, belongings and important memorabilia can be damaged or destroyed.

If you can find a safer location to store your precious family heirlooms that are usually recommended. But if that’s not the case, then you should at least try to store these items in water-tight containers and keep them off the ground.

Why You Should Choose SERVPRO of New London

10/3/2019 (Permalink)

Choosing a restoration company in the New London area is easy – pick SERVPRO of New London! SERVPRO is a household name and nationally trusted organization, why wouldn’t you choose us? Our team is compromised of only the most dedicated professionals who are expertly trained in the industry’s leading technology. We have the resources, the willpower, and the utmost dedication to ensure that whatever disaster you’re facing will soon be, “Like it never even happened.”

New London residential or commercial properties can count on our team to assist with any water, mold, sewage, fire, bio-hazard, etc. disaster they have. If you’re facing a restoration nightmare, make the choice to call SERVPRO of New London – you’ll be glad you did. Available 24/7, 365 days a year – call now!

Fire Damage New London Leads to Water Damage

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

When your home or commercial building experiences a fire damage emergency in New London, you may also find yourself with water damage. In fact, water damage is an incredibly common side effect of  residential and commercial fires.

Water damage after a fire is nearly always due to firefighting efforts. When firefighters use water-based extinguishers to put out the flames, gallons and gallons of water are pumped into your indoor spaces. Other times during a fire, pipes and other plumbing fixtures may burst due to heat and lead to water damage throughout your home. No matter how the water damage occurs, it is important to address it correctly.

To ensure that your fire damage and water damage problems are properly remediated, be sure to contact a restoration company that services your local area. SERVPRO of New London will be able to professionally restore your home from any water and fire damage that has occurred.

Lingering Smoke Smell?

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

Why removing the smell of smoke after a fire is one of the most difficult processes

The reason?
The human nose, on average, includes millions of sensorial neurons. Humans understand odors because thousands of extremely delicate olfactory nerve cells in the nostrils trip an event deep in the limbic system of our brain. Once tripped, the brain generates emotional reactions and memories. Exposure to the smell of smoke triggers a prompt and automated emotional event. Because the sense of smell has the most prolonged remembrance of the senses, it isn't easy to block out a response once you’ve been exposed.

What is the origin of the odor?
We smell smoke after the fire is out, but what we’re actually recognizing is the tiny specks of uncomplete burning (PIC) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). The bigger, seeable material is called “soot.” Some of the smaller PIC’s are little more than 20 microns around.

When the PIC’s and VOC’s go airborne in the fire, we inhale them into the nose and lungs initiating a reaction. The materials get in and on everything. The PIC’s creating the smell get in all regions of your residence or company. They even conceal themselves in cavities underneath floors or behind walls. They must be treated professionally because an alteration in barometric pressure or humidity can release the particles again. This created the smell of smoke months later.

Storm Damage - What to Do New London

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

Storm damage can occur at any time and can cause an immense amount of harm to your home. Heavy rains can cause flooding, powerful winds can cause roof damage, and there are a number of other damages that can occur on your property. Having a strategy to deal with damage will help you to be ready immediately after the storm.

Take Safety Precautions

Heavy winds and rain can create physical hazards such as collapsed roof materials, window damage, collapsed walls or standing water in the basement or home interior. In addition, moisture can soak into furniture, carpeting, and building materials making the perfect environment for mold growth that can cause health issues. Shut off the main gas line if you smell gas. Beware of broken glass, exposed nails, and other sharp objects on the property. Contact a reputable property restoration company to help secure your property and make it safe for your family’s use. If necessary, arrange for an alternative place for you and your family to live while your property is being restored to safe living conditions.

Photograph the Damage

If it is safe to move around your property, photograph the damage so that you have a record for your insurance company. This action will ensure that you are fully compensated.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance agent to notify them about the damage to your home immediately. The company will send out an adjuster to determine the extent of the damage so that payment for repairs can be made.

Look Into Federal Disaster Assistance

The federal government may have declared the area affected by the storm as a disaster area that is eligible for low-cost loans to help restore your property to back to pre-storm condition or better. You will be required to file documents to receive these loans.

When a storm-related disaster strikes, it may seem overwhelming, but these steps can help you to begin the process of restoring your home, and your life, back to normal. Call SERVPRO of New London to help you get back on your feet.

Water Damage Prevention in Residential Homes

9/29/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage Prevention in Residential Homes

Temperature extremes can also contribute to flooding as pipes can become weakened and burst, particularly in the cold of winter. You can help to mitigate this by installing frost-proof faucets and by allowing a small amount of water to drip from faucets at all times, especially if you are going to be away for any length of time. This will prevent the pipes from freezing.

When it comes to protecting your basement from flooding, you may want to check the slope of your landscaping and pavement to ensure that water is draining properly.

As pavement ages it can become weakened and cracked, causing it to direct water toward the foundation of your house rather than draining it outward. Landscaping that is weather-worn can have the same effect, all of which can lead to water collecting in your basement every time it rains.

Cracked or worn pavement should be repaired and properly sealed in order to provide a smooth, even surface that slopes away from the house. In terms of landscaping, you should fill in any gaps to even off the surface and when possible use a clay-based soil that repels water rather than sand-based soil that absorbs it.

Of course, water damage prevention in residential homes doesn’t end outside. There are also steps you can take in your basement to help mitigate problems, such as installing a sump pump to help remove any water build-up.

Possible Causes for Water Damage in Your New London Home

9/24/2019 (Permalink)

water damage carpet

Causes & Categories of Water Damage in New London:

An old poem has the line, “water, water, everywhere”. When you need to say this in your home or office, you know there is trouble. You may be looking at water damage. There are several different possible causes of water damage in New London.

Causes can include:

• Leaky dishwashers or washing machines
• Clogged pipes
• Leaking roofs
• Broken toilet pipes
• Heavy rain
• Snow or ice

The amount of water damage depends on the amount of water and on the cause of the damage.

It is also important to start the cleanup as soon as possible. The longer your home or business is water-logged, the more damage.

Categories of Water Damage in New London:

1. Clean water. It might come from an overflowing sink or a broken appliance. The water does not pose a threat to people. Keep in mind that any water will become contaminated after it stops flowing.
2. Gray water. This water is contaminated from the get-go. It comes from broken toilets or sump pumps. It might not look dirty, or it might be brown.
3. Blackwater. Like gray water, it might not look dirty. One major source of black water is broken sewage pipes. Another source is any water that has been standing still.

***

Links:

http://www.thewaterpage.com/water-damage-effects.htm

Commercial Property Damage in New London

9/22/2019 (Permalink)

Dealing with any sort of water, mold, sewage, fire, etc. job in a commercial building is a disaster for any property owner. Huge buildings mean huge damage, the insurance claim process can be hard to navigate, and of course, your building isn’t functioning as it should! Luckily, you don’t have to face commercial property damage alone; SERVPRO of New London is here to help!

No matter how large your commercial disaster is, you can feel rest assured our team can handle it. We have the equipment, manpower, and dedication to tackle any size commercial disaster. Though it’s easy to panic when disasters arise, remembering to call the experts is a key step. Call SERVPRO of New London to make your commercial disaster “Like it never even happened.”

Staying Healthy around Standing Water in New London

9/19/2019 (Permalink)

It is always important to keep clean

Staying Healthy Around Standing Water in New London:

Standing water of any kind in New London can be a powerful source of disease. Floods can be worse due to the amount of water involved. Even small puddles can pose a risk.

Different kinds of debris can be found in floodwaters such as dead animals, rotted plants, and sewage, to name a few. If you have water damage inside your home, watch for debris in the home as well to include rooted food and electrical problems.

Viruses and bacteria can cause illnesses. To reduce your chances of catching something, SERVPRO of New London suggests:

• Washing dirty clothes and towels in hot water. Use bleach if possible
• Remember that you can shake hands with an infected person and get infected.
• Do not allow children to play in the flood water
• Wash children’s hands before meals
• Disinfect toys before letting children play with them
• Use bleach or other disinfectants on hard surfaces
• Keep your hands washed

Cuts and rashes can become infected. Protect yourself and others in New London:

• Avoid floodwaters if you have an open rash or a cut
• Clean cuts or rashes. Cover them with a waterproof bandage
• Clean cuts with soap and clean water
• If a cut becomes red, swollen, or is oozing, get medical attention

***

Links:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/extreme-weather/floods-standingwater.html

Commercial Flood Insurance in New London

9/14/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides flood insurance. The NFIP doesn’t sell insurance. Buy flood insurance from an insurance agent.

SERVPRO of New London is interested in helping the businesses in our community become more educated on flood insurance. According to FEMA, 40% of small businesses do not reopen after experiencing a devastating flood.

Things to know in New London. Check to see if you might be required to have flood insurance.

• All agencies in New London charge the same for flood insurance
• Standard commercial insurance doesn’t pay for flood damage
• The NFIP sets the rates
• Rates depend on:
  • whether you live in a flood plain
  • flood risk in your area
  • building’s age
  • building’s construction
• Building property insurance covers the building
• Personal property insurance covers the building’s contents
• NFIP suggests you need both types
• Policies go into effect 30 days after purchase
• The NFIP help center number is 1-800-427-4661

SERVPRO of New London recommends the following:

• Check whether or not your area participates in the NFIP
• Check whether or not your area is part of the Community Rating The NFIP might have a discount
• Talk to your insurance agent when you need to make changes

Make sure your business is protected from the devastation that comes with unwanted flooding in your office.

***

Links:

https://www.usa.gov/property-insurance

www.fema.gov

Tips for Standing Water in New London

9/8/2019 (Permalink)

Water loss unfinished basement

Standing Water in New London:

A flood doesn’t end once the storm stops. We still have to deal with all that standing water. The floodwater can take up to 11 days to disappear. It’s not time to go fishing.

If you have to evacuate your office, do not go back until you have been told it is safe.

Be careful about driving in New London. Remember to “Go around. Don’t Drown!” The water may still be too deep for safe travel.

Floods are not natural swimming pools

• Sewage, debris, and other unpleasant things can be in the stormwater leftovers
• Swimming, wading, or rafting can make you sick
• Don’t drink the water
• Water conducts electricity. Underground power lines can give you a dangerous shock

Floodwaters vs. Animals in New London:

• Snakes and other animals may get into your building. Wear work boots and heavy gloves when you clean up
• Some animals might find your office a cozy place to live
• If tap water is unsafe to drink, it is unsafe for your pets

Links:

https://www.ready.gov/floods

Things to do for Water Damage until Help Arrives in New London

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

Water loss unfinished basement

If your home or business in New London has water damage, you can do some things before help arrives.

Make sure that the building or home is safe.

SERVPRO of New London Wants You to Remember:

• Waterlogged materials are very heavy
• Wet surfaces are slippery
• Make sure electrical power is off before you handle devices
• Make sure you are standing on a dry area before you turn on the electric power

SERVPRO of New London suggests that you:

• Remove excess water with mops and/or towels
• Wipe water from wood furniture or other items
• Remove wet cushions. Prop them upright to dry
• Hang up rugs to dry
• Place foil or blocks between furniture and wet carpeting
• Turn on dehumidifiers or air-conditioning if it is safe
• Move colored items from wet carpeting
• Move artwork to a safe, dry place
• Move loose items from the floor or counters
• Start drying items ASAP
• Remember that mold starts growing within 24 hours
• Stay away from rooms that have sagging ceilings

Links:

www.fema.gov

A Year After the Connecticut Tornadoes - New London

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

Photo from Cathy Finlayson, a Marketing Rep at SERVPRO of New London

On May 15th, 2018 Connecticut residents experienced some of the worst weather since 1989.

As many as 4 tornadoes touched down, winds picked up to 110 miles per hour at their peak, and hail the size of tennis balls rained down throughout New Haven county.

For Connecticut residents, this was an unusual and catastrophic event.

Trees fell, homes flooded, and wind and hail did major structural damage. Luckily, SERVPRO was there to help make it "Like it never even happened."

We helped countless Connecticut residents recover from the damage that ensued following these storms - including pulling trees out of houses!

You can’t predict the weather and you surely can't predict when a tornado will strike in Connecticut but what you can do when disaster strikes - CALL SERVPRO.

Give us a call and we’ll make your emergency "Like it never even happened."

Prevent Home Fires

6/4/2019 (Permalink)

Prevent Home Fires

As per U.S. fire departments respond to a home fire every 86 seconds. That’s over 30,000 fires a month. Home fires can occur for a variety of reasons, but many are preventable. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires, accounting for over half of home fires, followed by heating equipment, electrical malfunction, intentional fires and smoking materials.

Home fires are not 100% reventable. Though, you can take necessary steps today to reduce your risk of home fires. Here’s how:

• Install and maintain smoke alarms on every floor of your home and within every bedroom. Roughly 50% of home fire deaths occur during the night while people are sleeping.
• Never leave food cooking unattended, especially deep fryers and other frying equipment.
• Avoid using portable and fixed space heaters, as heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fire deaths.
• Have a fire plan that gets you out of your home in less than two minutes and practice it.
• Avoid smoking in the house.

SERVPRO of New London is a trusted leader in the restoration industry. We provide 24-hour emergency service and are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. With the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs, we’re locally owned and operated and can respond immediately to your emergency.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Have Questions? Call Us Today

What To Do When Your Basement Floods - Before doing anything, think safety first!

8/15/2018 (Permalink)

Specific dangers that come with a flooded basement include:
Electrical Hazards & Contaminated Water

Most people recognize the real problem that fire and burglary pose on their homes.

Surprisingly, water damage is even a bigger and more common problem.

Water damage may not sound serious, but it can be very dangerous too.

Electrical Hazards
I'm deadly serious here. Water and electricity have always been a dangerous combination. The voltage can potentially cause burns, shocks and electrocution, even death.

I'm not trying to alarm you, but most people never associate a flood in their basement as a potential electrical hazard and how severe a risk it might be.

During a basement flood after rain, a basement sewage flood or even a common burst pipe in the basement or even water leaking down from an upstairs break.

Water can hit electrical connections or seep into electronics and make the water in your basement "hot" or electrified.

You may have a TV, a radiant heater or something as familiar as leaving your phones power cord plugged into the wall socket and the other "live" end on the floor.

It can be submerged or merely touching the water, and that would be enough to transfer the electricity to all the water in the basement.

Submerged appliances and electronics are common and potentially very dangerous.

If you’re stepping off your steps into the water or if your standing in a ¼ inch of water (or less) and it’s already electrified that could be trouble.

Water is an excellent conductor and, in this case, you can be in the path from the electricity to the ground and put yourself in danger without even knowing it.

Do not enter the water unless you have shut off the electricity to your home, and make sure not to plug in any electronics or “electrical anything” that you think is not completely dry. Turn the power off or disconnect the power.

Expect The Water To Be Contaminated
This hazard can be more common and indeed more expected.

Potential causes could include:

• Harmful chemicals
  
  
• Bacterial pollutants
  
  
• Groundwater that could seep in with fertilizer or pesticides

If you’re going to have a look before the professionals arrive get suited up

Step 1: Put on Protective Gear
Before or after your plumber or contractor may have removed most of the hazards from your basement, it’s still a safety best practice to suit up with protective gear before venturing into the basement.

Must Haves:
• Thick gloves

• Waterproof boots (preferably rubber)

• Mouth mask (surgical mask) and goggles

Here’s what to look for:

• Look for the source of the water.
  
  
• You need to identify the source of the water and stop the water from continuing to seep/pour into your basement.

How Basements Flood

1) Water Pipes 2) Ground Water 3) Sewage

Plumbing and Water Leaks

• It could be a leaking or burst pipe
  
  
• It could be a leaking sewage line or wastewater
  
  
• It could be the water hose to your washing machine is broken
  
  
• leaking water tank or water heater or merely a frozen pipe that's starting to thaw

Two easy ways to tell if a burst pipe is causing your basement to flood

Look at the clarity of the water:

• Is the water clean or does it look dirty or muddy? (groundwater or sewage)
  
  
• Is the water coming directly into your house or pouring down from a higher level? (broken water pipe or sewage)

Clean water coming from upstairs is almost always coming from a water pipe.

If it’s coming from a water pipe, here’s what you do:

Shutting off the water to a leaking pipe may be as simple as closing the pipes shut-off valve.

Shut-off valves can be buried in the ground. Special tools may be needed to turn them off.

If that is the case, or you can't get to or don't know the right shut off valve to the leaking pipe, the next best solution is to close the main water supply valve.

The shut-off valve should be located somewhere around the outside of your home or in the basement where the water main comes into your home.

When you shut off the main water supply, your goal is to turn off all the water coming into your home, and you can stop most of the damage by turning off your water via the main water shut-off valve.

 In my opinion, it's the fastest and surest way to make sure all water getting to the broken pipe is stopped because all the water coming into your home has been shut off.

How to find the shut off valve

The valve is inside your home where the main water supply enters your home.

More complete details are in the video below:
http://www.balkanplumbing.com/close-open-valve-main-water-line-gate-valve/

In other cases, it may be outside in the street.
You can follow this link to know what to look for and how to shut off the water from the street
https://www.oneprojectcloser.com/main-cutoff-water-valve-street/

How to quickly drain the water

Some basements have floor drains, if you do, check to make sure it isn’t clogged.
Keeping it open and functioning will help drain the water.

If your basement does not have a floor drain, you’ll need specialized equipment to drain the water and other equipment to dry out your basement. Both are critical, and both need to be done fast before mold starts to grow. FYI mold can begin to develop within 24 hours.

Groundwater
That can be a real challenge. You can’t just find the shut-off valve and turn off Mother Nature.

If there's any good news: Groundwater flooding might not stink as badly as sewage.

Heavy rains in the New London area commonly cause the city to close streets for a few hours due to flooding.

Homes in the following areas historically are more susceptible to basement flooding than other areas of the Groton and New London area. Streets include Eugene O'Neill and Governor Winthrop Boulevard, Water Street, Broad Street and Connecticut Avenue, Truman and Blackhall streets, Bank and Tilley streets, Pequot Avenue near Green Harbor Beach Park, and Garfield Avenue at Elm Street.

Stopping Ground Water
After you or a professional water remediation expert cleans up the water and the damage and makes it safe, you’ll need to find a way to stop that groundwater problem in the future.

Leaky basement foundation
 Find a waterproofing pro or a structural engineer because you could have a foundation problem.

Leaky basement windows
If your window wells fill up water (from a flooded yard or clogged gutters) water may leak into the basement through and around the windows.

Excessive amounts of rain, poor yard drainage and sewer backups are common causes behind leaky windows or a cracked foundation.

FYI - rainwater is one of the most common reasons of basement flooding.

Sewage
If the water is dirty or you can’t tell where it’s coming from, don't flush the toilet or run any appliances with drains like washing machines or dishwashers.

Because if one of those items is causing the problem, you'll only increase the flooding.

Sewage leaks are caused by a septic tank backup or clogged sewer line.

You should start the cleanup process as soon as possible because this can get messy and could easily magnify the problem if not handled quickly and correctly.

Sewage leaks can turn into such hazards if not treated successfully and rapidly based on the potential germs and dangers; it’s best to contact the professionals. Pro’s are trained for this type of situation,

• If you have a backed-up septic tank, you’ll need a septic tank specialist to handle the situation.
  
  
• You may find that the leak comes from an outside city sewer service, you'd need to call your local sewage department.
  
  (Your local sewage authority may help with pumping services, or you can submit a reimbursement claim.)

The city of New London had a lawsuit filed back in 2017 when a Vauxhall Street homeowner over a sewage back up.

“In this particular case, Gills said, it was determined that an illegal floor drain connected to the sewer system was the point of entry for the sewage into the basement.  The suit, claims the backup was due to negligence and carelessness of the city and Veolia for not properly maintaining the wastewater system. The suit also alleges the city was aware that sewage backups are persistent at commercial and residential properties in the Vauxhall Street area. “https://www.theday.com/article/20170707/NWS01/170709472

It does happen, so take photos and videos just in case you find yourself in a similar situation.

NOW is not the time to drag your feet

The faster you get started on taking care of this mess, the less amount of damage and repair costs you’ll have to deal with in the future. Faster is better in this situation.

So immediately stop flushing toilets and running faucets, the water moving through the system and the sewage will only continue to build up and create an even more significant problem.

If you have a septic system, your only alternative is to call the septic company to have your tank pumped ASAP to stop the problem from growing.

After you have identified the problem and stopped the issue at the source

• Call a clean-up ora basement flood recovery, or a  remediation company like us, and we can walk you through everything, including dealing with the insurance company
  
  
• Call your insurance company – they will be able to advise you on next steps, including clean-up and claims procedures.
  
  
• If you're on city sewer, report your basement sewage issue to the City / Town.
  
  They will use the information to help determine if the city/town's infrastructure needs any work.

Why a restoration company to clean debris and remove the water?

There are certain parts of the clean-up process you can handle yourself, but for things like mold remediation and drying the basement, it’s best to call a professional.

• When Drywall gets wet, it acts like a sponge. So it will need to be cut out and tossed out.
  
  Plaster walls may be able to be saved, but they need significant air movement behind the wall to dry the studs.
  
  
• If mold grows, you will need an anti-microbial application to kill it.
  
  
• Rescue as much as you can, but toss anything that is ruined.
  
  You need to get things out of the water asap, the longer they stay wet, the greater tendency they will rot, warp, or develop mold and mildew problems.
  
  
• Keep an inventory of everything you’re clearing out. You can't trust that your insurance company will take your word for damaged items that you didn't document the day of the event.
  
  
• If your carpets have padding, they will probably be soaked, and you’re going to have to rip them up and replace them.
  
  Leaving wet carpeting may lead to mold growth, and that can quickly turn into a long-term problem.

Preparing To Talk to Your Insurance Company
Surprisingly, insurance companies do not always have your best interest in mind.  Let us help you make sure you maximize your claim and get the most assistance.

• Thoroughly document damaged items in your home, take as many pictures as you can—video too. They will come in very handy!
  
  
• You may not get everything that you expect from your insurance company, so make sure to go over your claim, so you know how much money to expect.
  
  
• Keep all your receipts for anything you buy as well as any repair work.
  
  
• Your insurance company may be more willing to help you if you have a plan in place to prevent future flooding, find out if you need to do any work on your plumbing system.

Salvage what you can
The faster you get items out of water’s way, the more likely you’ll be able to save them.

• Move all electrical items first. Remember, turn off your power leading into the affected area, especially if water rises above electrical outlets.

Make sure to get all damaged items to a dry spot in a well-ventilated area to help them dry out.

Don't try to dry things in the basement, not only will it not dry thoroughly (if at all) it will add more moisture into the air, and you will do more harm to the basement.

We need to dry the basement out asap so make sure to take all wet and damp items out of the area.  

Depending on the moisture content and the temperature of the surrounding air, it takes quite some time for all the items to dry. Most things will dry in about 48 hours. Although even at the 48-hour dry time mold growth can occur.

That’s why in most cases an antimicrobial spray is used to prevent mold growth.

If they remain wet, they may need to be thrown away to avoid mold and mildew.

• The best advice is to scrutinize things after the 48-hour period and decide the best course of action.

Don’t try to save wet cardboard boxes, they suck up water and are readily susceptible to bacterial growth.

• Salvage the contents, throw the boxes away.

Freeze your assets
If valuable documents have gotten wet, you can put them in the freezer. Freezing may stop the mildew growth and deterioration of the paper.

Remember, keep an inventory
As each item is removed from your basement and treated for water damage, add it to an inventory list.

That includes all estimates and receipts from any restoration or repair procedures. These documents will become incredibly important when you start to prepare your insurance claim.

Get rid of the water.
If you don’t have power, a mop and bucket will work too.

Use a wet/dry vacuum. Note: be very careful to only plug it into outlets that are safe and dry.

Don’t use an extension cord that could fall into the water or get wet from resting on a wet surface.

It's a hazard, and you run a real risk because the connection could short out and give you a shock or worse.

Water and electricity do not mix.

Moving the water out of your basement is only part of the problem.

What happens next could wreak havoc on your house for years to come.

Getting rid of the water is undoubtedly the 1st step, but actively drying out the basement is important to do because dampness breeds mold.

Fact is, if you only get rid of the water and don't sufficiently dry out and add anti-microbial solution where needed you are opening up your entire home to mold growth

Dry your ENTIRE basement area (use professional Air Movers and Dehumidifiers)

• Mold starts to grow within 24 hours, sometimes sooner based on how wet and warm it is.
  
  Dry out the basement as fast as you can to reduce mold growth.
  
  
• If the drywall were affected, you'd probably have to cut away the areas that were touched by water because the drywall will crumble and that paper backing you see on the drywall? It's a good source of food for mold.
  
  
• Point air movers at porous objects like drywall and other spots that have become saturated with water.
  
  Air movement will speed up the drying process.
  
  
• Run a dehumidifier to absorb the water in the air of your basement.
  
  Professional remediation Companies use professional equipment built for just this type of situation and their plus they are exceptionally safe to have in your home too.
  
  
• Cut and remove the bottom of the wall that's been exposed to water. Remember that drywall will suck up that water like a sponge. So even though the actual water didn't get that high, once it touches the drywall, it will "wick" the water up.
  
  
• That's why in even the smallest basement flood, in many cases you are forced to remove the 1st 12 inches of the wall.

We remove the mold-susceptible lower section of your wood-framed basement wall.
Moisture-damaged fiberglass insulation is removed. Existing electrical wall outlets can usually remain in place.

Next step
After mopping up all the water, air movers and a dehumidifier are needed to help dry out the area.
Dry out the entire area as soon as possible

Dispose of damaged property correctly
Dispose of damaged items responsibly: you’ll be tempted to throw everything into a dumpster and send it all away and out of site.

• If you have baseboard trim, take it up first
  If it’s the baseboard (or any wood like material) is pressboard, it will probably have to be tossed.
  
  If the material is real wood, you might be able to save it.
  
  
• Organize damaged goods into piles and take what you can to recycling centers, it can be a lot of work up front but makes it easier when you’re at the landfill dumping all the debris.

Visit your city or town’s waste management site to learn where to take and recycle any spoiled electronics from cell phones to TVs and computers, furniture, old paints, stains, adhesives and other toxic liquids, even drywall.

Check the web to find other recycling centers closer to your neighborhood.

Disinfect Every Surface
Every single thing that was touched by water needs to be evaluated.

Use a mixture of hot water, heavy-duty cleaner (like a safe and robust anti-microbial) and a hearty scrub brush on your walls and flooring, if you have never done it before, or you don't know what to look for you may not be able to kill all of the bacteria and prevent continued mold growth in your basement.

If you go through the process make sure you are hyper-vigilant when you are going through this disinfecting stage.

One of the worse things that could happen is that you spend all your effort, time and money and miss something.

It may not sound like much, but mold multiplies fast, and if you have not killed it all and left moisture, it will continue to breed and eat, it will overtake of the back of your wall.

Sadly you may not notice until you smell the odor and look to investigate.

If behind the wall, the mold has grown you will have to tear down that section again (probably more of it at this point) and not only clean it all out again you may have to replace some of the studs in that area too.

Just a heads up, by the time you smell the mold behind the wall, in most cases you facing a rather substantial mold infestation.

The process of removing water-damaged items, getting the water remediated and surface cleaning correctly can be a lot of work.

If you’d rather have a certified and fully insured professional handle the damage, call a licensed water remediation/restoration service (like us) that can do all this work for you.

A Heads Up
Some companies show up with one person in a truck with a high-powered fan and think, that’s good enough to dry a basement, but don't be fooled.  

For example, improper technique, (like not allowing the home to dry for long enough or to fail to treat drywall properly) puts your home at risk for mold or mildew in addition to the flooding damage.

Summary

• Rugs and floor coverings usually take the most damage, so move them outside to dry as soon as you can.
  
  
• Get the wet carpeting out of the basement as soon as possible.
  
  Not taking the carpeting out can stop the floor underneath from drying quickly and mold can start, or it can create more damage. So get those carpets out ASAP.
  Although it can be difficult to dry out these materials adequately, sometimes wet carpeting can be saved.
  
  Consult a restoration specialist or a carpet cleaning contractor for recommendations.
  If the carpet isn’t dried properly, it can also harbor mold and mildew.
  
  
• Expect anything that may have absorbed fluids, like wood flooring, floor underlayers, etc., to be thrown out.
  
  
• Wet-dry vacs can get lot’s of the water out. If necessary, supplement the vacuum with old rags or towels.
  
  
• Remove any wet or damaged drywall and insulation to prevent the spreading of mold.
  
  
• An industrial dehumidifier is incredibly valuable for this type of situation.
  
  
• Get as much ventilation as possible, as soon as possible. Open windows, open doors and put fans around the area for air circulation and to speed drying time.
  
  
• Wash down floors and walls to remove any dirt left behind by the water.
  
  
• Once the floor and walls dry, use an anti-microbial spray to discourage mold and mildew from developing.
  
  
• In many cases, basements need a few days of drying time.
  
  Mold and mildew grow fast, so don’t forget to clean, any HVAC equipment, the foundation floor, or any walls and stairwells, so they are completely dried out and disinfected.
  
  Sometimes you can’t take everything out so make sure to clean those items that are bolted in, think HVAC, furnaces, or other equipment that can’t be moved.
  
  Have any carpets or rugs you were able to salvage professionally cleaned and dried.
  
  If you don’t want the hassle and the responsibility for disposal, potential health issues and a steep learning curve you can call SERVPRO, we offer a free quote, and we will help you with your insurance company too.

Our contact info is: SERVPRO of New London
239 Williams St  Unit #6 
New London, CT 06320
Phone: (860) 736-3200

Sewage Clean Clean Up in New London, CT

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

Sewage Clean Clean Up in New London, CT

As per our experience, the most common source of sewage entering a house or commercial property is from floor drains, shower drains and toilets backing up which can be caused by clogged drain lines or heavy rains. When sewage contamination occurs, it is important to avoid the contamination where possible. The sewage can contain dangerous bacteria and pathogens, and the fumes and gasses produced by sewage spills can be toxic.
Our Sewage Damage Clean up experts in New London, follow a stringent process to ensure a successful remediation of the affected property each and every time. We utilise air scrubbers to remove odours and harmful gasses from the air and will remove any damaged or affected porous material such as floor coverings, wall lining, furniture and personal items.

Our trained Sewage Contamination Clean up technicians handle all contaminated materials with special care while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment to prevent cross-contamination to unaffected areas. If you required Sewage Cleanup in New London, Contact SERVPRO of New London today.

Water damage warnings and tips - New London Water Damage Restoration Services

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage warnings and tips - New London Water Damage Restoration Services

When flooding strikes our local area, lives can be disrupted and homes may experience water damage.

Important warnings about water damage:

• Do not go into rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on!
• Do not use electrical appliances while on wet surfaces.
• Do not use an ordinary vacuum to remove water.
• Do not lift tacked down carpet without professional help.

Help minimize additional water damage and costs by following these steps:

After experiencing water damage:

• Use fans to circulate the air and assist drying,
  • Use dehumidifiers if available,
  • Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting,
  • Wipe furniture dry,
  • Lift draperies off carpet, loop through a coat hanger, and place the hanger on the drapery rod,
  • Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place small wood blocks under furniture legs,
  • Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings,
  • Open furniture drawers, closet doors and luggage to enhance drying,
  • Move photos, paintings and art objects to a safe, dry location,
  • Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature,
  • Do not remove damp books from shelves. Leave tight to prevent pages from rippling,
  • Control interior temperatures with heat or air conditioning. Keep interior temperatures between 70º and 80º.

If you need water, fire, or mold restoration services, the professionals at SERVPRO of New London are here to help you! Call us at (203) 630-2273

BBQ Fire Damage Restoration in New London CT

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

BBQ Fire Damage Restoration in New London CT

It’s summer now. There’s nothing like outdoor grilling. It’s one of the most popular ways to cook food. But, a grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. They can be very hot, causing burn injuries. Follow these simple tips and you will be on the way to safe grilling.

SAFETY TIPS

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

CHARCOAL GRILLS

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

In case if you need help with fire damage restoration, we are here to help. Contact SERVPRO of New London.

Water damage restoration due to water heater failure

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration due to water heater failure

As per our records, water heater failure is one of the common issues for water damage. however, you can help prevent hot water heater problems, including a leaking water heater, with these few water heater maintenance.

• Check your water heater’s age. If your water heater reaches its life expectancy, the risk of a slow leak or sudden burst increases. Consequently, your efforts to inspect and maintain the water heater should increase.
• What is an anode rod and why should you care? A sacrificial anode rod is installed in water heaters to avoid corrosion of the tank. To determine if your anode rod needs to be replaced, it should be inspected once every two years and at least annually once the warranty has expired.
• Clean out your water heater regularly.Regular water heater maintenance should include removing sediment by flushing the tank every six months. Water heaters can be flushed by attaching a garden hose to the valve at the base of the water heater.
• Get an inspection annually. Don’t forget to have a plumbing professional inspect your water heater’s shut-off valve and all piping annually. Signs of broken valves and loose or wet joints and rust are a signal that more severe damage is coming. 

Don’t get stuck with cold showers and costly water damage repairs due to water heater failure. Reduce your risk with these guidelines for avoiding water heater failure.

Please follow the tips outlined in our Water Damage Tips—Until Help Arrives Guide to protect yourself and your property.

New London Water Damage Repair

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

New London Water Damage Restoration

When flooding strikes our local area, lives can be disrupted and homes may experience water damage.

Important warnings about water damage:

• Do not go into rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on!
• Do not use electrical appliances while on wet surfaces.
• Do not use an ordinary vacuum to remove water.
• Do not lift tacked down carpet without professional help.

Help minimize additional water damage and costs by following these steps:

After experiencing water damage:

• Use fans to circulate the air and assist drying,
• Use dehumidifiers if available,
• Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting,
• Wipe furniture dry,
• Lift draperies off carpet, loop through a coat hanger, and place the hanger on the drapery rod,
• Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place small wood blocks under furniture legs,
• Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings,
• Open furniture drawers, closet doors and luggage to enhance drying,
• Move photos, paintings and art objects to a safe, dry location,
• Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature,
• Do not remove damp books from shelves. Leave tight to prevent pages from rippling,
• Control interior temperatures with heat or air conditioning. Keep interior temperatures between 70º and 80º.

Stop Mold Growth in Basements

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Stop Mold Growth in Basements

Stopping mold growth in a basement is important. You should treat mold growth as soon as you notice it to prevent possible health problems or damage to your basement. Before you treat the mold, you need to identify the source of moisture that is causing the mold growth. After addressing underlying moisture issues, immediately remove the mold. To prevent future mold growth, keep the humidity level in your basement below 50%.

Find the source of the problem. Moisture control is the key to solving mold problems. If you have a wet basement, you will need to find out what is causing the water issues before you treat the mold problem. Common culprits include:

1. Defective gutters
2. Groundwater seepage
3. Poorly designed window wells
4. Ineffective subsurface drainage system
5. Cracks in a house’s foundation
6. Internal sources of humidity like humidifiers or frequent cooking 

Address sources of internal moisture. The mold problem in your basement may be the result of internal sources of moisture, rather than moisture entering the basement from outside. Remove humidifiers from the basement, and do not cook in the basement unless absolutely necessary. Make sure other sources of moisture, like the clothes dryer and bathroom, are properly ventilated. 

Fix leaking pipes, sinks, and toilets. Your basement could be wet due to a leaking pipe, sink, or toilet. Carefully examine these potential sources of moisture. If you discover a leak, fix the problem as soon as possible. If necessary, seek professional help. 

If You See Signs of Mold, 
Call Us Today – 800-734-3213 SERVPRO of New London CT

Residential Mold Remediation in New London CT

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Residential Mold Remediation in New London CT

A mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed at your residential property. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. Every hour spent cleaning up, is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold problem, call SERVPRO of New London CT who will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation. Mold can spread quickly through a property if left untreated.

SERVPRO professionals can respond swiftly, working to first contain the infestation to help prevent its spread to other parts of the building. Next, the crew will begin the remediation process, working safely and effectively to manage the situation. We have the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and remediate it to its preloss condition.

When the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of New London CT has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.” Whether your need is removing an odor problem or deep cleaning of floors or carpets, you can depend on SERVPRO of New London located in East Haven, CT to get the job done right the first time. We’ll respond promptly and make your home look its very best. Learn more about our Commercial Cleaning Services.

We are available throughout Connecticut 24 hours a day. Our expertise includes residential restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying. Additionally, we are your best resource for mold remediation.

Electricity Safety Checklist

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

Electricity Safety Checklist

• Call a qualified electrician or your landlord if you have: 
  Frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers
• A tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance
• Discolored or warm wall outlets
• A burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance
• Flickering or dimming lights

• Sparks from an outlet q Inspect your home for hidden electrical hazards. 
• Inspect your home for hidden electrical hazards.
• Check electrical cords to make sure the wires are not damaged, cracked or loose. If the cords need to be repaired, take the item to a professional repair shop, hire an electrician or replace with a new item.
• Make sure cords are not running across doorways or under carpets. If they are, have a qualified electrician install more outlets.
• Keep children away from electric cords and outlets. Cords placed in the mouth can cause a burn and objects placed in a receptacle can cause a shock, burns or electrocution.
• Make sure that all receptacle outlets and switches have faceplates.
• Never put more than one plug in each receptacle. An outlet may have one or more receptacles — one to receive each plug.
• Be sure that the bulbs in your lights match what is safe for the lamp. There should be a sticker that indicates the maximum wattage for the light bulb — such as use maximum of a 60 watt bulb.
• Light bulbs in the living area of your home, including closets, should have a shade or globe for protection. Light bulbs can get very hot and cause a fire if something that can burn is too close.
• Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) reduce the risk of shock by shutting off an electrical circuit when the circuit could be a shock hazard. Your home should have GFCIs in the kitchen, bathroom(s), laundry, basement, garage, and outdoor areas.
• Heat producing appliances such as a toaster, coffee maker, iron or microwave oven draw a lot of electricity. Plug only one heat producing appliance in each outlet to prevent wiring from overheating.
• Buy only appliances that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
• Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) protect against fire by monitoring the electrical current in a circuit and shutting off the circuit when unintended arcing occurs. AFCIs should be installed in your home. If not, have a qualified electrician install them for you.
• Keep ladders away from overhead power lines, including the electrical service into your home.

Fire safety at homes !

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

Fire safety at homes !

Spring is when many people decide to open up their seasonal houses, cabins, and cottages. An important part of the preparation is gearing up for fire safety. Just like permanent housing, vacation homes are vulnerable to unsafe conditions.

By the time vacationers arrive at their seasonal homes, the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms may no longer work and chimneys could be blocked.

Here are some safety tips:

• Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
• Install CO alarms outside each separate sleeping area, on every level of the home, and in other locations as required by laws, codes, or standards.
• Test CO alarms at least once a month.
• Pack extra batteries for smoke alarms and CO alarms in case they need replacing.
• Make a home escape plan. Practice the plan with everyone in the household, including visitors.
• Know the telephone number of the local fire department and the address and phone number of the vacation home.
• Chimneys and vents need to be cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional at least once a year.
• If you smoke, smoke outside. Use deep, sturdy ashtrays.
• If you are renting, contact the property manager, landlord, or fire department to be sure that smoke alarms and CO alarms are installed and properly working.

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration in New London

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration in New London

Fire damage can be very devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to fire, smoke, and soot damage, water damage caused by firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Every hour spent restoring your business back to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you have a fire emergency, call SERVPRO because we have the training, experience, and equipment to manage your commercial fire damage emergency. We will respond quickly and manage the fire restoration project through to its completion—getting your property business-ready.

Whether your need is removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can depend on SERVPRO of New London, CT to get the job done right the first time. We’ll respond promptly and make your workspace look its very best. Learn more about our Commercial Cleaning Services.

Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of New London, CT has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

We are available throughout New Jersey 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying.

Commercial Flood Damage Restoration in New London, CT

5/24/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Flood Damage Restoration in New London, CT

It’s important to know what to do after you experience flood damage so that you can get your life back to normal, come back to your property, and receive speedy payment from your flood insurance claim. This article contains important steps to help you make sure the process is as quick and painless as possible.

After you’ve experienced flood damage, a flood claim has to be filed. You should expect to hear from an insurance adjuster.

Before the adjuster visits your property (before your flood claim payment can be issued), you’ll need to take important steps to prepare for the insurance claim.

TAKE THESE IMPORTANT STEPS:

1. Separate damaged property from undamaged property so it’s quicker to assess what you need coverage to repair.

2. Take photographs of all damaged property, including discarded objects, structural damage, and standing floodwater levels. Be careful!

3. Make a list of damaged and lost items including the date of purchases, values and receipts for each item, if possible.

4. Place flooded items outside the home. Officials may require disposal of damaged items, but wait for instruction to throw anything in your insurance claim away.

DURING THE VISIT, THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER WILL:

• Examine your damaged goods and property.

• Help determine your final estimate for flood damages.

• Give you a Proof of Loss form. This document is your official claim for damages. It substantiates the insurance claim and is required before the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can compensate you for flood damage.

NEXT STEPS:

• Complete, sign and return the Proof of Loss form to your insurance company within

60 days of the flood.

• Once insurance received the form, you and your insurance company agree on the amount of damages, then they will issue payment.

What Should I Do After My House Is Damaged by a Storm? 

5/18/2018 (Permalink)

What Should I Do After My House Is Damaged by a Storm? 

The damage a storm causes to a home can leave your life suddenly upended. In the first days after a storm, you might be overwhelmed with the damage, with everything you have to do and with concerns about getting your life back together. But careful planning can help you return to normalcy as quickly as possible.

Safety First

Whether your house flooded, sustained wind damage or was struck by lightning, the aftermath of a storm can pose serious dangers. Live power lines, mold and open areas of your house can all put you at risk. It's wise to leave your house until you're able to evaluate the damage. Consider going to an emergency shelter, staying with friends and family or staying at a hotel until you're able to get an inspector to your home. Take a few day's worth of clothing and supplies if possible, but prioritize safety above collecting your possessions. Your insurance company might provide someone to inspect your home for safety hazards, or you may need to hire someone, but in either case, you should have your home checked for hazards before you return.

SERVPRO of New London CT responds immediately to your flood and storm damage emergencies. We have the storm damage restoration experience and specialized equipment to restore your Old Saybrook home or business back to pre-storm condition.

Have Storm Damage in New London, CT? Contact us today. 800-734-3213

Storm Damage Repair in New London CT

5/17/2018 (Permalink)

Storm Damage Repair in New London CT

There are a number of things that you can do to make sure you and your property stay safe during storms. Remember, for storm emergency assistance from the SES call 132 500. For life-threatening emergencies call triple-zero (000).

What to do before the storm

Ensure you do the following before a severe storm arrives:

• Check that loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured.
• If it is safe to do so, check gutters, downpipes and drains are not blocked.
• Park your car undercover and away from trees.

What to do during the storm

Ensure you do the following during a severe storm:

• Stay indoors and away from windows.
• If outdoors, shelter away from drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
• Be prepared for power outages.
• Floodwater is dangerous – never drive, walk or ride through floodwater.
• Floodwater is toxic – never play or swim in floodwater.

What to do after the storm

Ensure you do the following after a severe storm:

• Check your home and property for damage.
• Keep clear of damaged buildings, powerlines and trees.
• Be aware of road hazards such as floodwater, debris and damaged roads or bridges.
• Do not drive through affected areas unless it is necessary.

Looking for Storm Damage Repair in New London? Contact SERVPRO of new London today.

Air Conditioner Water Damage Restoration in New London

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

Air Conditioner Water Damage in New London

Tips for Preventing Air Conditioner Water Damage

It’s almost summer, most homeowners who enjoy cool and comfortable temperatures indoors throughout summer (thanks to their air conditioning system) don't realize that air conditioners can sometimes cause water damage, if not properly maintained. When working at peak efficiency, an air conditioner can collect 10 to 20 gallons of water daily. Ideally, this water drains off of the condensation coil into a collection pan and then is disposed of automatically into the sewer system. However, if the drain becomes clogged, and the unit produces more water than it can easily handle, the overflow of water can lead to damaged floors and carpeting, in addition to creating unhealthy deposits of mold.

A clogged drain line is often a major source of creating water damage, but other causes include excessive condensation that occurs when the unit is running around the clock, in addition to evaporator coils that may freeze up and then defrost on a regular basis. Because most of the unit is typically hidden from view, unless regular inspections take place, water damage can be occurring on a daily basis and accumulating into hundreds of dollars worth of damage.

One of the best ways to avoid air conditioner water damage is to change the HVAC air filter at least once a month. This gives a homeowner the opportunity to observe whether or not there is excessive moisture collecting on the condensation line. Ensuring that an AC unit has clean air filters also helps prevent the unit from overworking, a situation that causes freezing and then defrosting on the evaporator coils, leading to water damage. It's also important to regularly check to see that water is indeed flowing from the opening of the condensation line directly to the drain as it was designed to do, especially during periods of very high humidity in the atmosphere.

When installing an A/C condensation line, avoid using elbow connections if possible and have the line run in as straight a vertical direction as possible to facilitate water removal from the unit. It's a good idea to get a professional air conditioning repair service to clean the condensation line at least once a year or every six months if the AC system is used on a year-round basis. A professional plumbing service can also install a condensation pump to help ensure the free flow of excess water into the proper disposal drain. A repair technician may recommend installing a device known as a safety float switch, which will automatically shut down the power to an A/C unit whenever condensation builds up and there is a danger of water overflow.

Professional maintenance of your HVAC unit on an annual basis can also help to prevent water damage by checking the air filter, the condition of the condensation line, as well as the drains to eliminate any blockage, or other problems. Ask about having your air conditioner service technician apply an algaecide to your system to discourage build-up of debris in the drain lines in addition to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can spread throughout the HVAC system and pollute the air throughout the house.

Enjoy better efficiency and cooler air flow indoors  throughout summer by following the steps above to ensure you get the most out of your HVAC and air conditioning units.

What Does Hail Damage to Your Roof Look Like?

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

What Does Hail Damage to Your Roof Look Like?

What Does Hail Damage to Your Roof Look Like?

Shingles can react differently when struck by hail. As an example, hail damage to asphalt and composition shingles can look very different than hail damage to wood shingles. It is important to know the different effects of the damage to properly identify whether or not you have roof damage from hail.

Asphalt and Composition Shingles Hail Damage

• Random damage with no discernable pattern.
• Hail hits that are black in color.
• Loss of granules, which may expose the roof felt.
• Asphalt and/or mat that appears shiny.
• Hail hits that are soft to the touch, like the bruise on an apple.

Wood Shingles Hail Damage

• Random damage with no discernable pattern.
• A split in the shingle that is brown/orange in color.
• A split in the shingle that has sharp corners and edges.
• A split in the shingle that has little to no deterioration at the edges.
• Impact marks or dents along the splits.

There are many other types of damage to shingles that can be mistaken for hail damage. For example, exposure to inclement weather and sunlight makes shingles brittle and gives them an aged appearance. This type of damage is normal wear and tear of shingles, which is sometimes misidentified as hail damage. Other types of normal wear and tear may include blistering, cracking, granule loss, flaking and algae. Manufacturing defects and mechanical imperfections in shingles can also be mistaken for hail damage.

If you believe your home has sustained damage from hail, call your agent or insurance representative to discuss possible next steps.

How to prevent mold growth in your home this spring?

5/11/2018 (Permalink)

How to prevent mold growth in your home this spring?

The hot heat stemming from humidity causes condensation on windows and bathroom shower/tub walls. Conversely, keeping every component of the home cool and dry is nearly impossible. The correct balance is keeping a high temperature in the home without the humidity attached. To do this, set the air conditioner to 70 degrees in automatic mode. Afterward, turn on the humidifier to keep humid heat 50% or below.

Clean, dust, deodorize, and disinfect the home every day or twice a week. Focus on the areas with condensation, highly used rooms, dark areas with no sunlight, and/or near water pipes where mold thrives. Examples include toilets, windows, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, closets, cabinets, drawers, sinks, showerheads, and air conditioner vents. Next, dust and vacuum carpets, furniture, draperies, and rugs. Finally, throw away mold-infested belongings. Increase routine checking after natural disasters such as flooding, snow, tornadoes, hurricanes, and violent thunderstorms to clean and dry water spills and condensation.

Dry wet spots with a fan, ceiling fan, air conditioner, door, or window. The air conditioner, fan, and ceiling fan circulate odorous and stagnant air while drying spills and wet areas. The door and window welcome fresh air into the home while removing odorous and stagnant air. Warm, unmoving air is a breeding ground for mold. Exhaust fans, open vents, and dehumidifiers also count toward ventilation and air circulation. Rooms desperately needing ventilation are the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. In addition, dry wet clothing, shoes, and items outdoors. Store items and attire after all damp spots are dry and not before.

Learn more about mold and what to do until help arrives by reviewing these mold damage tips.

Basement Water damage restoration in New London CT

5/11/2018 (Permalink)

Basement Water damage restoration in New London CT

A basement can flood at any time, for a number of reasons, including heavy rainfall. Basement flooding occurs because they are partially or fully underground. 

Basement Water damage commonly occur because of: 

• Water pooling in or around the home
• Full Septic Tank
• Sewer pipe failure
• Foundation drainage issues
• Water supply or hot water tank failure
• Pipes burst from freezing
• Saturated drenched soil overflowing outside water into your home
• Clogged Drain Pipes, clogged drains
• Debris Filled Rain Gutters
• Roof in need of repair
• Leaking Water Heaters
• Faulty Washing Machine Hoses 

The flooding in this New London CT home was caused by a storm sewer backup. New London had flooding that overwhelmed the system. 

Since we are on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week, we were on site fast to help this family by inspecting the damage and beginning the thorough water extraction process.  

In just a few days we had their basement dry as if nothing had ever happened and they were grateful to be enjoying their basement family room again. 

With SERVPRO of New London, they were confident that no water is leftover because we use advanced inspection and monitoring equipment to determine that their home and the foundational structure is actually dry. We don’t just look, we use science to KNOW for sure. 

You can see the flooded basement before and after pictures in our before and after photo gallery. 

Water damage can cause severe damage to the house structure leading to mold in a short time, due to untreated or missed water, so it is crucial to have a professional team of experts working for you with all the latest advancements because your home is a hugely expensive investment into your future that needs to be well taken care of. 

We are Flooded Basement Specialists: 

• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We bill the Insurance directly so you don’t have to worry about it
• Our Technicians are highly-trained in water restoration techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards and have all the current certifications and training
• We have the most technologically advanced inspection and extraction equipment and modern skills to handle any disaster
• We are always open 24/7 to help you too 

Basement Flooded?
Call Us Today – We’re Here To Help

Fireworks are dangerous!

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

Fireworks are dangerous!

Tell your community, the best way to protect their families is to not use fireworks at home. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends attending public displays and leaving the lighting of fireworks to the professionals.

Remember, fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burn and eye injuries. You can help us prevent fireworks-related injuries and deaths. How? By working with a national, state or local organization where you live to promote fireworks safety in your community.

Follow these safety tips when using fireworks: 

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

Fire Damage Restoration in New London

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Restoration in New London

Fire damage can be very devastating for a residential or commercial property. In addition to fire, smoke, and soot damage, water damage caused by firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Every hour spent restoring your business back to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you have a fire emergency, call SERVPRO because we have the training, experience, and equipment to manage your commercial fire damage emergency. We will respond quickly and manage the fire restoration project through to its completion—getting your property business-ready.

Whether your need is removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can depend on SERVPRO of New London, CT to get the job done right the first time. We’ll respond promptly and make your workspace look its very best. Learn more about our Commercial Cleaning Services.

Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of new London, CT has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

We are available throughout Connecticut 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying.

Fire damage? Call SERVPRO of New London today!

No Job Is Too Large

Are you looking for assistance to help your business or community recover?

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

Are you looking for assistance to help your business or community recover?

If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, this page may be able to help you. Here we offer a list of resources that are not just for individuals. You can find links to sites that also offer assistance for businesses, local governments, and communities for different types of situations.

Visit some of the sites below to see what you can find. Your path to disaster recovery may be able to start here.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance – This site offers a list of all federal assistance programs open to the public. Search programs offered for any of the following by type, agency, or number:

• State (and the District of Columbia), local, tribal, and U.S. territory governments
• Profit and non-profit entities
• Special groups
• Individuals

(General Services Administration)

Grants.gov – Do you want to seek a grant? If so, this site is the place to go to find and apply for federal grants from over 26 agencies. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

Benefits.gov – Are you looking for assistance that fits your unique situation? Just answer some questions in the “Benefit Finder” to find programs with federal partners that may be right for you. (U.S. Department of Labor)

National Resource Network – The Network is a diverse group of private and public sector organizations. Its purpose is to help distressed cities find and apply solutions to aid their economic recovery and growth. The Network offers their assistance through three core services:

• Support for Implementing Solutions,
• Access to Peer Networks and New Ideas, and
• On-line, On-demand Access to Expertise.

(U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development)

Community Recovery Management Toolkit – The toolkit is a resource for local officials and community leaders. It aims to provide resources to help manage the complex issues of long-term, post-disaster recovery. The toolkit compiles guidance, case studies, tools, and training. The information is grouped in four sections as follows:

• Organize
• Recovery Planning
• Managing Recovery
• Core Capability-Specific Resources

(U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

U.S. Government Services and Information - View a list of government services and information that can guide you to the help you need. You can find help online, in your local community, or in your state. (USA.gov)

Local Governments - Search for information about each city and town in the U.S. by state. You can use this information to find help after a disaster. (USA.gov)

State Governments - Find your state or U.S. territory government website so you can search for services or information. You can also search the websites of Tribal Governments. (USA.gov)

U.S. Postal Service Alerts - Find out if there are any postal service problems in your area after a weather-related or other event:

• Is your post office open?
• Is there mail delivery?

You can view residential as well as business alerts. If you need to relocate, you can also do your change of address online. (U.S. Postal Service)

Alternative Fueling Station Locator - Do you have a diesel, hybrid, flexible fuel (FFV), or other vehicle that uses alternative fuel? Use this interactive map to help you find fueling stations near you. (U.S. Department of Energy)

Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program - This program helps to conserve natural resources and aid watershed recovery after natural disasters. Both public and private landowners may qualify. You can find details for both EWP and the EWP Floodplain Easement Program (FPE) on the site. (U.S. Department of Agriculture)

Community Development Resources - Get information about community development by subject. Subjects include the following:

• Downtown Revitalization
• Economic and Rural Development
• Rural Tourism
• Tribal Communities
• Rural Libraries

Source: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

What is Storm Surge?

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

What is Storm Surge?

Along the coast, storm surge is often the greatest threat to life and property from a tropical or extratropical storm. (A tropical storm forms over warm waters and is driven by heat transfer from the higher temperatures of the ocean to the lower temperatures at higher altitudes. Extratropical storms result from the temperature contrast between warm and cold air masses as they move against each other horizontally. Tropical storms can become extratropical if they lose tropical characteristics.)

Floods are frequent, costly, and deadly hazards for coastal communities. To prevent disaster, avoid the water and waves; when local authorities instruct you to evacuate, do it quickly!

Storm surge is an abnormal rise in water level, over and above the regular astronomical tide, caused by forces generated from a severe storm's wind, waves, and low atmospheric pressure. Storm surges are extremely dangerous, because they are capable of flooding large coastal areas.

Depth of a Storm Surge

In order to clearly describe flood impacts, storm surge inundation is described in terms of height above ground level. National Weather Service (NWS) storm surge forecasts and statements reference storm surge in this way. This means when NWS forecasts storm surge of 20 feet above ground level for a particular area, 20 feet of water will cover that area. The depth of the flooding above ground level will gradually decrease as it moves further inland. However, some coastal regions have vast areas of low-lying land, so know your local conditions and how far inland local authorities consider vulnerable. Pay attention to evacuation warnings to avoid severe damage.

Need Storm or Flood Cleanup Services?
Call Us Today

Source :

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Summer fire safety

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

Summer fire safety

Summer fire safety - Campfire Safety Tips

Every year everybody look forward to summer vacations, camping, family reunions, picnics, and the Fourth of July. Summertime, however, also brings fires and injuries due to fireworks and outdoor cooking. Encourage summer fire safety in your community with these tips.

Campfire Safety Tips

If you'll be spending the summer camping or just toasting marshmallows in the back yard, it's a good idea to educate yourself about campfire safety.

Follow Area Rules

Always follow the campfire rules for the area where you are camping or living. Some parks and towns prohibit fires, and these rules are there for a reason. Check the local regulations before you build your fire.

Know to Stop, Drop, and Roll

It is important to make sure that all members of your family know to "Stop, Drop, and Roll" if an article of clothing ever catches on fire. Instead of just talking about it to young children, practice the steps together.

Check Your Surroundings

Choose a location for your campfire where it will not spread. Never build a campfire near any dry leaves or grassy areas or under overhanging tree branches. Before building a campfire, clear away all shrubbery and vegetation from the area, dig a pit for the fire, and surround it with rocks.

Be Smart About Lighter Fluid

Do not store gasoline, liquid fire starter, or any other type of flammable liquid near the campfire. It's too easy for stray flames to ignite these materials.

Keep Your Fire Away from the Tent

Do not place your campfire near the tent. It should always be placed downwind from the tent. Only use tents made from flame-retardant materials if you'll be having a campfire.

Keep It Under Control

Do not build large campfires, even if they seem impressive. It's much safer to keep fires small so they are easier to control.

Stay Nearby

Never leave a campfire lit if there is no one to attend to it. If you're going to sleep for the night, always take the time to put the fire out.

Be Prepared

Never light a campfire if you do not have the means of extinguishing it. Always keep plenty of water and a shovel near the campfire to use in an emergency and to put the campfire out when you are finished using it.

Know How to Put It Out

To extinguish a campfire douse it with water, use the shovel to bury the fire with ash and dirt. Then douse the area with water.

Source : www.ovetoknow.com

New London Mold Remediation

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

New London Mold Remediation

The purpose of mold remediation is to correct the moisture problem and to remove moldy and contaminated materials to prevent human exposure and further damage to building materials and furnishings. Porous materials that are wet and have mold growing on them may have to be discarded because molds can infiltrate porous substances and grow on or fill in empty spaces or crevices. This mold can be difficult or impossible to remove completely.

As a general rule, simply killing the mold, for example, with biocide is not enough. The mold must be removed, since the chemicals and proteins, which can cause a reaction in humans, are present even in dead mold.

A variety of cleanup methods are available for remediating damage to building materials and furnishings caused by moisture control problems and mold growth. The specific method or group of methods used will depend on the type of material affected.

Learn more about mold and what to do until help arrives by reviewing these mold damage tips.

Commercial Water Damage Warnings and Tips

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

New London Commercial Water Damage

When flooding strikes our local area, lives can be disrupted and homes may experience water damage.

Important warnings about water damage:

• Do not go into rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on!
• Do not use electrical appliances while on wet surfaces.
• Do not use an ordinary vacuum to remove water.
  • Do not lift tacked down carpet without professional help.

Help minimize additional water damage and costs by following these steps:

After experiencing water damage:

• Use fans to circulate the air and assist drying,
  • Use dehumidifiers if available,
  • Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting,
  • Wipe furniture dry,
  • Lift draperies off carpet, loop through a coat hanger, and place the hanger on the drapery rod,
  • Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place small wood blocks under furniture legs,
  • Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings,
  • Open furniture drawers, closet doors and luggage to enhance drying,
  • Move photos, paintings and art objects to a safe, dry location,
  • Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature,
  • Do not remove damp books from shelves. Leave tight to prevent pages from rippling,
  • Control interior temperatures with heat or air conditioning. Keep interior temperatures between 70º and 80º.

If you need commercial water restoration services in New London, CT, the professionals at SERVPRO of New London are here to help you! Call us at 800-734-3213.

Mold Removal Services in New London, CT

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Removal Services in New London, CT

Any home or business can quickly become infested with mold with the introduction of a water source, like a roof or plumbing leak. Mold can spread throughout a property in as little as 48-72 hours, and can produce allergens and irritants that have the potential to cause other health effects.  

To ensure that the mold threat is completely removed, we apply today’s most technically advanced removal & remediation techniques. We are licensed professionals, and the leading specialists in the region. We find the hidden moisture that is commonly bypassed by other companies. Just a small number of mold spores that remain can lead to re-occurrence and the remediation process may have to be repeated.   Don’t let that happen. Call the mold experts in New London, CT  now for a free consultation.

Mold Services we provide in New London CT:

Remediation

Removal

Testing

Inspection

If You See Signs of Mold, Call 1-800-734-3213

Fire Protection during the Winter

11/28/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Protection during the Winter

Although winter comes as no surprise, many of us are not ready for its arrival. If you are prepared for the hazards of winter, you will be more likely to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall.

As we know, many people prefer to remain indoors in the winter, but staying inside is no guarantee of safety. Take these steps to keep your home safe and warm during the winter months.

Winter is a time when household fires occur. It is a good time to remember to:

• Buy and install smoke alarms on every floor of your home
• Test smoke alarms monthly
• Practice fire drills with your children
• Install a carbon monoxide detector outside bedrooms
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that could burn, and turn them off when leaving the room or sleeping.

Commercial Mold Remediation in New London, CT

11/17/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Mold Remediation in New London, CT

Mold Remediation is our business so you can get back to your business

Besides causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed at your commercial property. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold problem, call SERVPRO of New London, CT who will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation because mold can spread quickly through a property if left untreated. SERVPRO professionals can respond quickly, working to first contain the infestation to help prevent its spread to other parts of the building. Next, the crew will begin the remediation process, working safely and effectively to manage the situation. We have the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and remediate it to preloss condition.

Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of New London, CT has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.” Whether your need is removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can depend on SERVPRO of New London, CT located in East Haven, CT to get the job done right the first time. We’ll respond promptly and make your workspace look its very best. Learn more about our Commercial Cleaning Services.

We are available throughout Connecticut 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying. Plus, we are your business’s best resource for mold remediation.

Concerned about mold? Call us today!

Call SERVPRO of New London, CT at 1-800-734-3213

Hurricane Risks

9/27/2017 (Permalink)

Hurricane Risks

Hurricanes are the most dramatic weather events that strike U.S. coastal states. The primary sources of damage during a hurricane are high winds, flying debris, flooding and downed power lines. Cars, buildings, businesses and homes can all sustain serious damage by hurricanes.

The best measure to reduce the annual cost associated with the damage and devastation caused by hurricanes is to be prepared. There are many construction measures that can be taken to reduce the effects of hurricanes, such as storm shutters covering exposed glass and hurricane roof straps. Also, taking measures to be prepared for severe flooding can help to reduce the damage and costs associated with hurricane damage.

Typical hurricane seasons in the U.S. begin June 1st and end on November 30th. High risk areas include the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific coasts – this also includes Gulf States

SERVPRO of New London is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too. When you have a flooding or storm emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We take pride in being a part of the New London community and want to do our part in making it the best it can be. 

Water Damage in Summer !!

7/5/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage in Summer !!

Most homeowners who enjoy cool and comfortable temperatures indoors throughout summer (thanks to their air conditioning system) don't realize that air conditioners can sometimes cause water damage, if not properly maintained. When working at peak efficiency, an air conditioner can collect 10 to 20 gallons of water daily. Ideally, this water drains off of the condensation coil into a collection pan and then is disposed of automatically into the sewer system. However, if the drain becomes clogged, and the unit produces more water than it can easily handle, the overflow of water can lead to damaged floors and carpeting, in addition to creating unhealthy deposits of mold.

A clogged drain line is often a major source of creating water damage, but other causes include excessive condensation that occurs when the unit is running around the clock, in addition to evaporator coils that may freeze up and then defrost on a regular basis. Because most of the unit is typically hidden from view, unless regular inspections take place, water damage can be occurring on a daily basis and accumulating into hundreds of dollars worth of damage.

One of the best ways to avoid air conditioner water damage is to change the HVAC air filter at least once a month. This gives a homeowner the opportunity to observe whether or not there is excessive moisture collecting on the condensation line. Ensuring that an AC unit has clean air filters also helps prevent the unit from overworking, a situation that causes freezing and then defrosting on the evaporator coils, leading to water damage. It's also important to regularly check to see that water is indeed flowing from the opening of the condensation line directly to the drain as it was designed to do, especially during periods of very high humidity in the atmosphere.

When installing an A/C condensation line, avoid using elbow connections if possible and have the line run in as straight a vertical direction as possible to facilitate water removal from the unit. It's a good idea to get a professional air conditioning repair service to clean the condensation line at least once a year or every six months if the AC system is used on a year-round basis. A professional plumbing service can also install a condensation pump to help ensure the free flow of excess water into the proper disposal drain. A repair technician may recommend installing a device known as a safety float switch, which will automatically shut down the power to an A/C unit whenever condensation builds up and there is a danger of water overflow.

Professional maintenance of your HVAC unit on an annual basis can also help to prevent water damage by checking the air filter, the condition of the condensation line, as well as the drains to eliminate any blockage, or other problems. Ask about having your air conditioner service technician apply an algaecide to your system to discourage build-up of debris in the drain lines in addition to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can spread throughout the HVAC system and pollute the air throughout the house.

Enjoy better efficiency and cooler air flow indoors  throughout summer by following the steps above to ensure you get the most out of your HVAC and air conditioning units.

Fire Safety on 4th of July

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Safety on 4th of July

The best way to protect yourself and your families is to not light fireworks at home. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends attending public fireworks displays and leaving the lighting to the professionals.

A study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows that over 200 people on average go the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the months surrounding the July 4th holiday. Fireworks are awesome and fun to watch, but sometimes can be dangerous!  Please take a few moments to review the safety tips provided for you below:

• Observe local laws.
• Keep a bucket of water handy in case of a malfunction or fire.
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Never shoot a firework at or near another person.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
• Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned. Douse and soak them with water and discard in a safe manner.
• Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially in a glass or metal container.
• Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
• Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Review instructions for special storage directions.

Source : www.fema.gov

New London Water Damage Restoration

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

New London Water Damage Restoration

A water damage restoration technician has an extremely important job when a home is affected by excess moisture or fluid. Certified professionals in the industry can quickly reverse the extensive damage that a flood or sewage backflow can cause, and save as many items as possible in the process.  SERVPRO of New London is a trusted leader in the restoration industry, and our highly trained technicians provide 24-hour emergency service. There is no job too big or too small for us to mitigate in an efficient and thorough manner.

Highly Trained Restoration Specialists

Our SERVPRO Professionals are highly trained in property restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, our Professionals are equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. The SERVPRO training program includes the follow:

• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training
• Initial Franchise Training
• E-Learning
• Continuing Education Classes

The Main Causes of Water Damage in Your Home

6/7/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of New London, CT Water Damage Restoration Services

Water damage to your home, business or property can occur from many different sources: a leaky faucet, heavy rains or ruptured plumbing to name a few. If the water damage is cleaned quickly, damage can be minimal and reduce the headache and cost of consequence if left alone. If addressed quickly, water damage can be treated on most surfaces and materials. Depending on the severity of the water damage, some items may be completely non-salvageable; other things may just be permanently damaged. The difference between being able to recover something after destructive water damage could be a matter of a couple hours.

Areas in Your Home Most Susceptible to Water Damage

Kitchen Water Damage

Taps and faucets, dishwashers, refrigerators, and other kitchen appliances make the kitchen one of the areas of your home most at risk for water damage. Leaks in kitchen plumbing or appliances can inundate your kitchen with water, leading to extensive water damage.

Laundry Water Damage

Like the kitchen, the laundry room is another area of your home where appliances can potentially cause flooding and water damage. If your washing machine overflows or suffers a busted pipe, the water damage can become quite extensive.

Bathroom Water Damage

Bathrooms are another hot-spot for potential water damage. Porous surfaces, overflowing toilets, leaky plumbing and faucets and overflowing or poorly sealed bathtubs can all lead to water damage. Additionally, poor ventilation in the bathroom can lead to mold growth on porous surfaces, so it is advised you make sure that your bathroom is properly ventilated.

SERVPRO of New London, CT Water Damage Restoration Services

SERVPRO of New London, CT has emergency plans in place to meet the needs of any situation. Our technicians are trained experts in their specialized fields and provide a service of not only managing and restoring the environment to pre loss condition but providing extensive knowledge and information to all clients about the situation.

We understand the seriousness and potentially hazardous natures of sewage and water damage and have a working relationship with many of the major insurance companies.

Our team of trained, experienced and professional experts understand and adhere to our stringent and tested procedures, maintaining that the main objective of any restoration job is to minimize damage by providing prompt, thorough action. Observing our methodology ensures the property is remediated and any contents are as close to their pre-existing condition as possible.

What to do in a storm ?

6/5/2017 (Permalink)

What to do in a storm ?

Storms, a natural phenomenon caused by violent atmospheric disturbances occurring over land and water, represent a major potential threat to the entire population of the earth because of their prevalence, the size of areas devastated and the scale of the resulting damage.
 

- Keep calm and avoid panic.
- Assist neighbours and persons in difficulty, such as the wounded, children, handicapped and the elderly.
- Assemble everyone in the emergency shelter specially equipped for this situation, and keep a supply of drinking water.
- Listen to the radio but do not use the telephone without good reason, as this overloads the system.
- Do not leave the building, keep away from windows and display cases. Do not use a vehicle without permission from the rescue squads.
- Follow the instructions given by the authorities and by the intervening bodies, especially as regards the evacuation of people and livestock. If it is necessary to evacuate, cut off the gas, water and electricity supplies.
- Lock the door.
- If caught by the storm whilst outside or in a vehicle, leave the vehicle and seek refuge in the nearest building. If this is not possible, lie down in a ground hollow, a cave, or behind a solid mass of rock and protect your head from objects blown away by the wind. Cling onto the ground.
- During a thunderstorm protect yourself from lightning by keeping away from metal objects, switching off the electricity supply, telephone and television. Avoid standing up in an elevated area or sheltering under a tree. Stay in your car.

Do You Have Flood or Storm Damage?
Call Us Today (203) 625-1363

Source : http://www.icdo.org

What to do after a storm?

6/5/2017 (Permalink)

What to do after a storm?

- Keep calm and do not panic.
- Stay at home or inside the building in which you have sheltered. Do not use vehicles because of traffic problems and danger from damaged buildings and roads.
- Listen to the radio and follow the authorities' instructions. Only use the telephone in an emergency.
- Check to see if there are people nearby which are wounded or in difficulty and assist them.
- Do not go near, touch or use damaged electrical installations, cables and wires and alert the
relevant authorities to the damage. The same applies to ruptured water or gas mains,
sewers, hydrocarbon pipelines and reservoirs holding chemical substances.
- Drink water only after having boiled it or used chlorine tablets to purify it.
In case of long electricity cuts regularly check the contents of refrigerating units and dispose of ruined foodstuffs.
- Collaborate, if required, with the rescue and assistance services and help with vital priority repairs and rehabilitation work.

Do You Have Flood or Storm Damage?
Call Us Today (203) 625-1363

Source : http://www.icdo.org

Storm Damage in New London, CT

5/25/2017 (Permalink)

Storm Damage in New London, CT

Storm Damage in New London, CT

Storms and inclement weather can bring wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding that can devastate any business in a matter of minutes. There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike, and storms don’t just strike during regular business hours; that’s why SERVPRO of New London, CT offers 24 hour emergency service 365 days per year because we know that every hour you spend cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned to handle any size disaster.

Also, the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

At SERVPRO, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and highly trained crews. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO of New London, CT.

Storm or Flood Damage? Call us today!

Commercial Building Cleaning Services in New London, CT

5/25/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Building Cleaning Services in New London, CT

Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of New London, CT has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military

Commercial Building Restoration Services

We are available throughout Connecticut 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying. We are also your business’s best resource for mold remediation.

Commercial Building Cleaning Services

Whether your need is removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can depend on SERVPRO of New London, CT to get the job done right the first time. We’ll respond promptly and make your workspace look its very best.

Why would you require a Specialist to remove Bodily Fluids from a porous surface?

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

Why would you require a Specialist to remove Bodily Fluids from a porous surface?

Blood and bodily fluids are very difficult to clean. They pose a significant health hazard, and should be treated with the utmost urgency. If you find yourself in a situation where your home is the scene of a crime or accident, a specialist should be called in immediately.

The Risks.

An array of potentially life threatening diseases can be found in bodily fluids and blood. AIDS, HIV, and Hepatitis can be present in bodily fluid, blood and fecal matter. Exposure to these diseases does not mean you will get infected, however minimizing your risk of exposure is critical in keeping your loved ones in a safe, and healthy home.

Tackling potential danger early on.

The cleaning of a crime scene or accident should always be handled by a licensed professional. They are specially equipped to thoroughly treat the affected area, to sanitize it properly, and will ensure regulations on disposal are followed.

• assess the situation and come up with a thorough course of action. 
• The area should be properly treated and sanitized. These procedures will make usage of the affected area safe again. 
• The ultimate goal is to restore the area in question to its original condition.

Plans to Remove Blood for Safety and Health Concerns.

Commercial properties should always have a course of action on hand in the event a situation like this occurs. The risk of potential exposure to visitors, staff members or the general public should not be taken lightly. The owner of the property, and maintenance team should have an immediate protocol to follow. The nature of the incident, and location of the property should certainly be taken into consideration when preparing for this type of occurrence. The need to have a licensed, and trained team for response is a critical in seeing these plans through efficiently.

Keep your team informed.

Of course no one can anticipate when a situation like this will arise, nor would anyone hope to experience it.  However a team that is informed and well prepared, is ready for anything. A contact list for your team to access, with the information of a special cleaning service is a preemptive measure that can make a huge difference in the manner of response.

Confirm you have a Safety and Health Plan today to ensure you are prepared.

SERVPRO of New London can help with this type of Bio-Hazard.

Have Questions? Call Us Today – (860) 266-2067

What To Expect When You Are Expecting A Contractor!!

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

What To Expect When You Are Expecting A Contractor!!

It’s starting summer!!, which means that it feels like it's time for some remodeling—perhaps sprucing up the kitchen or upgrading the bathroom.

Homeowners who have put off projects are now feeling more confident about the economy, beginning to spend more freely. Before you jump on the renovation bandwagon, here are a few things you need to know…

Know What You Want

As the client, you are the one driving the process. Before speaking with Contractors, spend time thinking about your goals for the project -- what it might look like, the amenities you want, and so on. If you don't know how to translate your goals into specific features or products, hire a design-build firm that can offer that service too.

Why Contractor Quotes Vary Drastically

Contractors cannot offer a correct fixed price because there are too many unknowns about the job, so try to eliminate as many of the unknowns as possible. For example, have them open up a wall to examine the skeleton of your house where the add-ons would happen.

Request to define the project specs to include only what he expects to do with the mutual understanding that if additional work is needed, you will get a change order — a written mini-bid for new work after the project has been started. This is common in the construction industry and it is the reason quotes vary by thousands of dollars. The cheapest quote also means they are not being conscientious of the realities that may come later to blow your budget when you were not prepared for unexpected expense(s).

Costs for all of the various elements of the job should include:

• Demolition and hauling trash
• Framing
• Plumbing
• Electrical work
• HVAC
• Tiling and floor covering installations
• Lighting fixtures
• Drywall and painting
• Finish carpentry
• Clean up

Contractors will often give you a fixed bid, but some work may be on a "cost plus" basis, charging you for materials, time/labor, and an administrative or overhead fee for their time managing those aspect of your project. “Cost plus” is sometimes a legitimate alternative, but it should have a cap or some provision to contain cost overruns that exceed your max budget.

Reputation Has More Value Than Price
Reputable and therefore trustworthy Contractors in trade locally for five or ten years will have an established network of subcontractors and suppliers in the area and a local reputation to uphold. That makes them a safer choice.

Ask for a business card with a real street address, not just a post office box, and get references from one or two early projects and some current customers. This will help you verify consistency and honor.

You should also vet their background by verifying their credentials and insist on a detailed contract before making a hiring decision.

Personality Is Prettier Than Price

You’re going to be spending a lot of time with this contractor, so when you make your decision, think about whether you feel comfortable with their personality, background, methods, and communication skills. Is everyone clear about the project at hand and on the same page? If not, you could end up disappointed, frustrated, and possibly out several thousand dollars beyond what you budgeted for.

Set Job Site Boundaries

Let the company know you expect routine precautions. Also, establish some ground rules about parking, bathroom use, smoking, and other issues that might concern you.

Have A Resolution Strategy

Any contractor you hire will become part of your life for at least the duration of the project. Make sure you pick someone with whom you can communicate, and trust your gut if first impressions leave you feeling uneasy. Reputable professionals will insist on clear written agreements in order to protect both parties.

During initial meetings, ask how unexpected issues or differences might be handled. This can include change orders (these should always be in writing, with cost issues directly noted) or more serious disputes, such as unintended damage or a failure to meet legal or reasonable standards.

Contracts Protect You Too

Every project should have a contract, no matter the size of the estimated work. Contracts ensure that if a dispute arises, it can be dealt with in a timely manner. Every detail about the project should be included in the contract:

• Work timetable, (start and finish dates),
• Description of the work,
• Materials that will be used down to the brand or make of the fixtures,
• Payment schedule and everything in between, including a time limit for fixing defects,
• Information on applicable building permits and fees (typically handled by the Contractor, but legally your responsibility),
• Description of what products and services are to be provided by the contractor,
• Payment terms,
• Subcontractor issues (such as license and insurance verification and warranty of workmanship),
• Consequences of default by either party.

Money Makes The World Go Round

The proposal fee is often paid up front and applied toward the project cost if the bid is accepted. Make periodic payments as the Contractor completes certain portions of the project, expecting to make about 3 payments per project, and dangling a significant 10-30% to be paid only when the job is completed to your satisfaction. This is the best way to ensure that the work gets done properly and on time.

Let SERVPRO of New London put your mind at ease and help keep your family safe. Our expert licensed Connecticut restoration and remodeling team can be reached at (860) 266-2067.

SOURCES:
http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/contracting/five-essential-questions-ask-before-hiring-contractor/#ixzz43bhpaQAb

http://www.patioenclosures.com/20-questions-to-ask-contractors-before-hiring.aspx

http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/advice/contractors/things-to-know-about-hiring-a-contractor/

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2011/05/04/5-things-to-look-for-when-hiring-a-contractor

INSURANCE CLAIMS PROCESS - WATER DAMAGE

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

INSURANCE CLAIMS PROCESS - WATER DAMAGE

It’s important to know what to do after you experience flood damage so that you can get your life back to normal, come back to your property, and receive speedy payment from your flood insurance claim. This article contains important steps to help you make sure the process is as quick and painless as possible.

After you’ve experienced flood damage, a flood claim has to be filed. You should expect to hear from an insurance adjuster.

Before the adjuster visits your property (before your flood claim payment can be issued), you’ll need to take important steps to prepare for the insurance claim.

TAKE THESE IMPORTANT STEPS:

1. Separate damaged property from undamaged property so it’s quicker to assess what you need coverage to repair.

2. Take photographs of all damaged property, including discarded objects, structural damage, and standing floodwater levels. Be careful!

3. Make a list of damaged and lost items including the date of purchases, values and receipts for each item, if possible.

4. Place flooded items outside the home. Officials may require disposal of damaged items, but wait for instruction to throw anything in your insurance claim away.

DURING THE VISIT, THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER WILL:

• Examine your damaged goods and property.

• Help determine your final estimate for flood damages.

• Give you a Proof of Loss form. This document is your official claim for damages. It substantiates the insurance claim and is required before the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can compensate you for flood damage.

NEXT STEPS:

• Complete, sign and return the Proof of Loss form to your insurance company within

60 days of the flood.

• Once insurance received the form, you and your insurance company agree on the amount of damages, then they will issue payment.

Why Hire an IICRC Certified Company?

2/8/2017 (Permalink)

IICRC Certified Company - SERVPRO of New London CT.

IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certificate) Benefit:

The IICRC is a non-profit certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. In partnership with regional and international trade associations, the IICRC represents the entire industry. The IICRC is recognized internationally as a knowledgeable industry voice and resource.

Why use a certified technician?

Professional restoration technicians understand the need for quick response. Immediate remediation is key to controlling escalating costs. The longer the remediation is delayed, the higher the cost of restoration. Certified restorers have the knowledge to test materials and apply the restoration techniques required in order to return the items to their preloss condition.

If you’re looking to hire a restoration company, look for the IICRC logo and ask for the company's certified membership number.

IICRC Certified Firms have earned the right to display the IICRC logo as a symbol of quality. In order to achieve IICRC-certified status, firms must meet a rigorous list of standards in business ethics and expertise, and continue to, in order to maintain their certification status. 

All IICRC Certified Firms must:

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident. 
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC actively has relationships with fiber producers, carpet and fabric mills, furnishing manufacturers and retailers, and others affiliated with the industry. The use of IICRC service professionals is specified in leading manufacturers’ maintenance brochures and warranties.

SERVPRO of New London is an IICRC Certified Firm. We follow all IICRC standards in our water, fire and smoke cleanup and restoration as well as our mold mitigation work.

IICRC Certified Firm

SERVPRO of New London, CT is an IICRC Certified firm. This designation from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration dictates that we are a professional restoring company known for our professional attitude and for providing the consumer with the highest degree of customer service.

If you have experienced smoke, fire or water damage and need a professional restoration company call us 24/7 at (860) 443-2222.

SERVPRO Helps People Get Their Homes Back !

2/7/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration in New London CT

We are masters of disaster restoration after storms destroy homes. We repair the damages from storm damage such as hurricanes, floods, snow storms, noreasters, arctic blasts, heavy winds, and any other kinds of storm ruined a home.

What would you do after a crisis destroyed your home? 
Simply call SERVPRO of New London, CT and we will take care of everything for you so you have nothing to worry about.

SERVPRO New London handles damage restoration as well as professional cleaning services after the fire damage, water damage, and the mold is gone.

"I am recommending SERVPRO of New London to my friends and family. They are experienced, trustworthy, and hard working" says John M.

We have restored many clients’ properties damaged from freezing, flooding and ice damming.

We provide a full-range of disaster restoration services including: emergency response, water damage repair, water removal, flood restoration, fire damage restoration, soot and smoke damage services, storm damage repairs, wind damage restoration, industrial dehumidification, structural cleaning and decontamination, mold remediation, environmental services such as hazardous waste removal, duct cleaning services, machinery and equipment restoration, reconstruction, repairing, and cleaning up after fixing the damage from the storm.

New London, CT Fire & Water Damage Restoration

Professional 24/7 Cleaning & Restoration
Residential and Commercial

Fire Damage Restoration and Repair
• House fire
• Smoke odor removal

Water Damage Restoration and Repair
• Burst pipe 
• Flooding
• Water mitigation

Structural Damage Restoration and Repair
• Roof collapse
• Ice buildup
• Mold removal

Call SERVPRO of New London (860) 443-2222

Mold Basics

2/3/2017 (Permalink)

Example of Mold Damage

• 
  
  
  
  • The keyto mold control is moisture control. Moisture that is unchecked has a significantly higher potential for mold growth.
  
  
  • If mold is an issue in your home, you should have the mold remediated promptly. Identifying the source of water and repairing it is
  
  
  • It is important to dry water-damaged areas and itemswithin 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
  
  
  
  

  Why is mold growing in my home?

  
  

  Molds are part of the natural environment. In the outdoors, mold plays a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees Indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture. Areas that could possibly be effected should be monitored to ensure this does not occur.